Manchester United and Arsenal target Schalke star Leon Goretzka but he wants Barcelona or Bayern Munich switch

ARSENAL and Manchester United have joined some of Europe’s leading clubs in the chase for German midfielder Leon Goretzka, according to reports.

But they would face an uphill struggle, with the Schalke midfielder reportedly keen to join either Barcelona or Bayern Munich, with his contract expiring in the summer.

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Should United make headway in the Champions League this term, they would surely be in a stronger position to sign the 22-year-old than Arsenal, but they are still behind other top clubs.

Goretzka has emerged as one of Germany’s biggest midfield talents and interest could soar during the World Cup next summer.

Schalke finished 10th in the Bundesliga last season and they know that if they miss the Champions League again, Goretzka will want to test himself against Europe’s best.

According to German tabloid Bild, he had the option to leave for either Manchester City and Liverpool over the summer.

But he opted to remain in the Bundesliga for at least one more season to gain experience, leaving the door open for United and Arsenal to join the fold.

Yet any moves for the German could be in vain, with Bild also reporting that either Bayern Munich or Barcelona are top of his list.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not made an ideal start to the Bundesliga campaign and Borussia Dortmund have stolen a march on their rivals in first place.

But Schalke are not too far off the early pace in sixth, four points off the top after five games.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger speaks German though and has been able to tempt players from the country to North London in the past, while the club weigh Santi Cazorla’s future fitness.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have the issue of Andres Iniesta’s contract expiring at the end of the season.

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