Published: 08:49, 6 February 2026 | Updated: 08:49, 6 February 2026

Arsenal reportedly made last-gasp swoop for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka at the close of the January transfer window.

The German giants revealed on Friday last week that Goretzka, 31, would be leaving Bavaria at the end of the season when his contract expires, calling an end to his fruitful eight-year spell at the club.

Goretzka, who arrived from fellow Bundesliga outfit Schalke in 2018, has been an integral part of Bayern Munich's team over most of the last decade, winning six domestic titles and a Champions League trophy in 2020.

Keen to bolster Mikel Arteta's options in midfield, Arsenal reportedly tabled a offer at the eleventh hour for Goretzka on deadline day.

According to German newspaper BILD, the player made a conscious decision not to leave Bayern Munich in the short-term, eager to play out the remainder of his contract at the Allianz Arena before leaving in the summer.

It is claimed that Goretzka does not want to rush his future ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and...