Report: Schalke Set to Offer Goretzka Club-Record Deal to Ward Off Suitors
Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke are reportedly ready to offer midfield star Leon Goretzka a club record contract deal in a bid to keep him out of the clutches of the Premier League.
The German has attracted a lot of interest from England - most particularly from Liverpool and Arsenal, but his current club remain determined to keep him.
The 22-year-old has spent the last few years building his reputation in Europe, and having been heavily linked with a move away from the Veltins Arena over summer, Goretzka is believed to be on the shortlists of Manchester United, Tottenham and Barcelona as well as the Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger's sides.
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But, according to German newspaper Bild (via the Mirror), Schalke are now preparing a bumper new contract in order to keep Goretzka at the club - which if signed will make the youngster the highest paid player in the club's history.
There has been a rumour frenzy surrounding the Germany international and while Liverpool are the among front runners for his signature due to compatriot Klopp's admiration, should Mesut Ozil (whose Arsenal contract runs to a close at the end of the season) leave the Emirates, Goretzka could become the Gunners' number one target in replacing their main playmaker.
Meanwhile, some reports earlier in the month claimed that Barcelona have already signed an agreement to bring him to Catalonia in January.
Each respective club will have to work quick, though. Goretzka's current contract - like Ozil's - is due to expire come summer, and the German international is free to discuss a future deal with any club as soon as January appears.
Should an agreement be made between the player and his chosen club, he will leave Schalke for nothing at the end of the season; unless, of course, he chooses to stay.
