Arsenal set to open talks with Leon Goretzka amid interest from Juventus and Liverpool

Arsene Wenger has made Leon Goretzka his main midfield target ahead of next season and Arsenal are expected to open talks with Schalke in the coming months.

The German midfielder is expected to be out of contract at the end of the season after thus far rejecting a chance to extend his deal and Wenger is hopeful of convincing him to join the Gunners.

Goretzka has been impressive for the Bundesliga club since last season and has attracted attention from a number of clubs across Europe. He has already scored four goals in nine league appearances and owing to his current contract situation it has put a number of clubs on alert.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal will open talks with the Germany international in Germany in the hope of convincing him to move to the Emirates Stadium next summer. They are not the only team interested as domestic rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are also keen on signing him.

Apart from the Premier League trio, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested while Goretzka has also been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months.

The Gunners, however, are said to believe that they are in a strong position and ahead of other interested clubs to sign the midfielder. Arsenal signed Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke this summer and he has become an instant fan favourite at the Emirates owing to his strong performances.

Arsenal are on the verge of losing Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez with both players in the final eight months of their contract. They look unlikely to sign an extension and could either leave in January for a fee or on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Goretzka, who is now considered as one of the top talents in Germany, could be targeted as a replacement for Ozil. At 22, the midfielder already has 12 caps for Germany and has found the back of the net on six occasions.