Vincent Kompany made several changes to Bayern Munich's starting XI against Mainz on Saturday, with one eye on next week’s first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Leon Goretzka got the opportunity to lead the team against Mainz since Joshua Kimmich was completely rested for this game.
The 31-year-old midfielder is playing the final few Bundesliga games for Bayern as he is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. Goretzka and Bayern announced the decision to part ways in January to avoid speculation around contract talks.
Bayern had received offers from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in January, but the German midfielder was keen on ending the season in Munich. Die Roten were also not keen on reducing the size of their already small squad, as they are competing on all fronts.
Goretzka will have more options in the summer as a player of his quality will be available on a free transfer. It does look like one club is currently leading the race to sign him at the end of the season.
According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via MilanNews), AC Milan are leading the race to sign Goretzka. The Italian club has held talks with Goretzka. The German midfielder is AC Milan’s top target to strengthen the midfield in the summer. Goretzka has also received positive response to interest from AC Milan.
Atletico Madrid are also expected to be in the mix for Goretzka, as they tried to sign him on a permanent deal in January. There will be interest from the Premier League. Goretzka should ideally look for a club that will compete for big honours.
Bayern will not actively look for Goretzka’s replacement
As far as Goretzka’s replacement goes, Bayern are not expected to spend big on a midfielder in the summer. The Bavarian club will give Tom Bischof a bigger role in central midfield next season. The young midfielder has played in full-back and midfield positions since arriving from Hoffenheim in the last summer transfer window.
Moreover, Bayern are also planning to see how Noel Aseko Nkili performs during the pre-season after an impressive loan spell at Hannover. The second division German side had taken up the option to sign Nkili on a permanent deal, but Bayern quickly activated the buyback option. He is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, but Die Roten want to see how he does in the pre-season tour before making a decision.
Bayern have shown concrete interest in young midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC. The teenager is attracting interest from several big clubs in Europe. If he decides to leave Hertha, Bayern will certainly explore a move for him, as they don’t want to miss out on one of the promising young midfield talents in Germany.
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