Arsenal: Leon Goretzka is the perfect flip of the narrative

Arsenal are reportedly interested in trying to bring Leon Goretzka to the Emirates in January. He would be the perfect flip of the Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil narrative.

Let’s be honest here, the coverage of the Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil debacle has not been happy. Throughout the past 18 months, the duo have centred as the seemingly only transfer saga to occur at Arsenal. They have dominated the headlines, few questions have been answered, and it is seemingly a daily occurrence that a new report is coming out regarding one or the other or both and their possible replacements.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs FC Koln: Predicted starting XI

Now, given their importance and their influence, that is not a surprise. They are by far and away the best players in the squad. To see them leave at a painfully slow pace is not enjoyable. Death by a thousand reports is very much what it feels like. The narrative is not a nice one.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

One of the main reasons for that is because of their soon-to-be-expiring contracts. Sanchez and Ozil hold all of the power. The Gunners lack any semblance of control of the situation. They are utterly at the fleeting desires and wants of their players, which is certainly not how a professional football club of their size and stature should be. So let’s flip the switch. Let’s not talk about players leaving on a free. Let’s talk about players arriving on a free.

In particular, I am referring to Schalke’s Leon Goretzka. The German midfielder, who is a rising star in European football, like Sanchez and Ozil, has also run down his contract. His current deal expires at the end of the season, and while Schalke are reportedly still pushing to agree upon on a new deal, it is looking increasingly likely that Goretzka will leave.

There have also been growing suggestions that Arsenal could be the destination that Goretzka chooses to leave Schalke for. Germany General Manager let slip that Goretzka would be moving to the Premier League, and on Wednesday morning, the Daily Mirror is reporting that Wenger has put Gortezka right at the top of his wish list.

Goretzka is a true all-round central midfielder. Trained with German efficiency on the ball, he is careful in possession, accurate in his passing, but also athletic enough to cover the ground in a box-to-box role. He relentlessly influences play. He is always looking to create, though perhaps from a slightly deeper position than Ozil and Alexis, and he has shown an ability to score goals, with four in nine Bundesliga appearances this season.

Under a long contract, very much like Ozil or Sanchez, Goretzka would command an almighty fee. At only 22, he has already achieved much. And his future is even brighter, and clubs would be willing to pay a pretty penny for a piece of it. But Gortezka is not under a long contract. In fact, he will be next to nothing at the end of the year.

Next: Arsenal: 30 greatest players in history

The midfielder would be the perfect flip of the narrative. He would bring a little joy and happiness. Arsenal would be turning the tables on a contract crisis.