Barcelona have 'personal meeting' with Arsenal target Leon Goretzka ahead of free transfer

Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goretzka has met with two Barcelona officials over the recent international break to discuss his move to the Nou Camp ahead of the summer transfer window.

Mundo Deportivo report that Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also interested in his services but the Spanish publication add that the German international made it clear during the meeting that his "desire" is to move to the La Liga giants.

The 22-year-old was linked with Barcelona and Bayern last summer after he proved to be one of the sensations of the Confederations Cup, helping Germany win the competition and even scoring two goals in the semi-final victory over Mexico.

A number of clubs have since joined the race with his contract at Schalke due to expire at the end of the current season, when he will be available on a free.

Earlier this month Mundo Deportivo said that that Barcelona reached "an agreement" with Goretzka for the midfielder to move to the Nou Camp when his contract runs out.

The Spanish publication added that Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus were ready to sign him in January but that the player was instead determined to wait until the summer to complete a move to Ernesto Valverde's side.

Now Mundo Deportivo claims that two officials from Barcelona travel to Germany during the recent international break to meet face-to-face with the player.

The reports says that Barcelona general manager Pep Segura and other club chiefs had already had several meeting with Goretka's agent Jörg Neubauer to discuss his client potential move.

Barcelona took another step forward during the international break to meet with Goretzka himself amid other reports claiming that the likes of Arsenal and Juventus are also trying to convince him to join them.

But Mundo Deportivo claims that Goretzka confirmed during the meeting that his "desire" is to join Barcelona, despite admitting that Bayern, Juventus, City and especially Arsenal are also interested in his services.

The La Liga giants could consider paying a cut-price to lure the player to the Nou Camp in January despite him being available for nothing next summer.

However, Mundo Deportivo claims that both parties agreed to wait until the summer to complete the move.

Barcelona are now focused on the pursuit of a more offensive playmaker, with Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil having emerged as their main alternative to Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.