Arsene Wenger wants to make Schalke star Leon Goretzka Arsenal’s first signing next summer

Arsenal have reportedly made Germany international star Leon Goretzka their number one transfer target next summer, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League side, who defeated North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, have been linked with the FC Schalke midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

The 22-year-old, who has 12 international caps for his country, has scored four goals and provided one assist in 10 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit so far this season.

Goretzka, who joined Schalke from German rivals Vfl Bochum back in June 2013, has netted 19 times in 128 games overall for the club, but is yet to win any silverware at the Veltins-Arena.

Germany’s Leon Goretzka in action against Northern Ireland.

The report suggests Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made the attacking midfielder his priority transfer target next summer, with fellow German Mesut Ozil set to leave the Emirates Stadium upon the expiry of his own deal.

However, Arsenal are set to face stiff competition for Goretzka’s signature, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City interested, as well as European giants Juventus and Bayern Munich.

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