Report: Arsenal leading the race to sign Bayern Munich star this summer — and more

Leon Goretzka Transfer Latest as Arsenal Circle Bayern Midfielder

Arsenal’s summer planning appears to have taken a compelling turn. According to reporting credited to CFBayernInsider, Leon Goretzka is edging towards the end of his Bayern Munich chapter, and North London may yet become his next stage.

The German international will depart Bayern when his contract expires, closing a significant era in Bavaria. For Mikel Arteta, this represents opportunity. Arsenal explored a deal in January, yet timing and loyalty intervened. Goretzka had given his word to see out the season in Munich. That decision spoke to character. It also delayed what could prove a decisive move.

Midfield Experience Arsenal Could Value

Arsenal’s midfield is not short of energy or invention. Declan Rice anchors with authority, Martin Odegaard orchestrates, and depth options offer variety. Yet elite teams crave layers of experience, particularly in European competition. Goretzka, 31, has accumulated seasons of Champions League football, domestic titles, and international tournaments.

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He has made 21 Bundesliga appearances this term, scoring twice, although recent selections have favoured Aleksandar Pavlovic. Even so, his profile remains clear. Powerful, tactically disciplined, and capable of arriving late in the box, he fits the mould of a seasoned operator who can steady high stakes fixtures.

Premier League Pull and Italian Interest

Interest extends beyond England. Inter Milan, alongside AC Milan and Juventus, are attentive. Christian Falk told CFBayern:

“It is TRUE: Inter Milan have a chance of signing Leon Goretzka this summer. Inter had a bad week in the Champions League, and now they’re discussing what they sorely need to add to their squad. An experienced player like Leon Goretzka, who is also very physical, could help this team. In Italy, age isn’t as big a factor as it is in the Bundesliga or England, which primarily likes to invest in young players. So, it’s not only InteSr who are interested, there’s also AC Milan and Juventus. I’m not sure if he’d decide to go to Serie A if he also has an offer from the Premier League. Of course, he first needs an offer from England, and it’s worth bearing in mind that he is 31 years old. However, I heard that Goretzka’s main target is the Premier League but he’s also interested in Italy.”

That final line matters. Preference can tilt negotiations. Arsenal, pursuing sustained Champions League participation, can offer both stage and structure.

Strategic Fit Under Arteta

Arteta has emphasised control and adaptability. A free transfer of this calibre reduces financial risk while adding tactical nuance. Goretzka can operate as a holding midfielder or in a more advanced role, pressing aggressively and recovering possession.

There is no guarantee, nor should there be. Arsenal’s recruitment model has focused on peak age assets with resale value. Yet winning squads often include figures who elevate standards behind the scenes. If Goretzka seeks the Premier League as his main target, Arsenal may find the path unexpectedly clear.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this report stirs intrigue. Goretzka brings pedigree. Champions League nights demand composure, and Arsenal’s youthful core has sometimes lacked that final layer of authority in decisive moments.

At 31, he would not be a long term project. That may concern some fans who prefer investment in emerging talent. However, free transfers shift the equation. If wages remain sensible, adding a physically dominant, tactically mature midfielder could strengthen rotation without blocking development.

There is also the psychological element. Competing with Tottenham for the same target adds narrative weight. More importantly, beating Italian giants to a signature would signal ambition. Supporters want to see Arsenal act decisively in markets where opportunity arises.

Questions remain about minutes and role. Would he start in Champions League ties, or rotate domestically after 2-1 wins that demand control late on? That clarity will matter.

Still, if Goretzka truly views the Premier League as his main target, Arsenal should test that intent. Experience, leadership, and versatility rarely arrive without a transfer fee. This feels like a calculated gamble worth considering.

Jon Rahm erupted on the DP World Tour on Tuesday, claiming that the league is trying to “extort” golfers while working to get LIV Golf members back on that circuit.

Rahm called out his former Tour ahead of the LIV Golf event in Hong Kong on Tuesday, and said he wouldn’t commit to competing in six events on the European Tour each season — something that was part of the conditions of his return.

"I don't know what game they're trying to play right now," Rahm said. "But it just seems like in a way they're using our impact in tournaments and fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer, and it's just in a way they're extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game.

"So I don't like the situation and I'm not going to agree to that."

Rahm, a former No. 1 golfer in the world, was one of the biggest names to jump over from the PGA Tour to the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit a few years ago. But slowly, several notable LIV Golf members have started working their way back. Brooks Koepka made his return to the Tour, and Patrick Reed plans to do so later this year. He’s currently competing on the DP World Tour in the meantime.

The DP World Tour granted conditional releases to eight players — Laurie Cander, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie — to compete on LIV Golf this season. The league said that those golfers had agreed to pay all outstanding fines they received for leaving the Tour in the first place. They also agreed to play in more than the four minimum events needed to retain membership and withdraw all pending appeals.

But Rahm thought that the six events the DP World Tour wanted from him was too much, especially since he said they were going to decide two of the six events that he would have to compete in. He would have joined if they let him stay at four, which is the standard minimum. Rahm said he would "sign tonight" if the DP World Tour did that.

"They haven't agreed to that," Rahm said. "I just refuse to play six events. I don't want to, and that's not what the rules say."

While the actual amount is unclear, Rahm reportedly racked up as much as $3 million in fines from the DP World Tour. He also noted that, as a dual member with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, he’s never had to get a release to jump between leagues before.

"I've always been a dual member," he said. "Never once have I been asked for a release to play either one of those tours. We've never submitted a release. So why is it now that we need to be offering this and there's all these penalties? I understand why they're doing it. What's the problem? ... I just don't like the situation. I think we should be able to freely play where we want and have the choice to play where we want and not be dictated what we do. Especially myself. I can't speak for others; only myself."

Rahm won 11 times on the PGA Tour in his career, including at the Masters in 2023 and the U.S. Open in 2021. He competed in three DP World Tour events outside of the four major championships last season, first at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and then at both the BMW PGA Championship and the Spanish Open.

He had appealed his previous sanctions, too, which is what allowed him to join the European Ryder Cup team last fall. If he doesn’t resolve that appeal and the dispute with the DP World Tour, his status on the team for the 2027 event in Ireland may be in doubt.

But, worst case scenario, Rahm said he’d fix that.

“I’ll gladly pay my way to go on the Ryder Cup, not have to pay to still be a member of the DP World Tour and fulfill a commitment that I’m fully willing to commit,” he said.

Melker Ellborg: 8/10

A couple of nervy moments with his kicking early on but then settled down and looked very comfortable. Wasn’t troubled from set pieces, made some good punches out and made some decent saves, one from a free kick and then a near post effort with his arm late on.

Luke O’Nien (C): 8/10

Had a little trouble early on, but with the help of Angulo, saw out the danger and grew into the game. Often used his strength and reading of the game to see the ball out of the play when Leeds threatened down that side.

Dan Ballard: 9/10

Was so good in the air all night, throwing himself at so many crosses and comfortably coming out on top in the battle with Calvert Lewin.

Omar Alderete: 8/10

Like his centre half partner, he was a wall at the back. Constantly in the way at set pieces and cross. Some dodgy moments when he got himself out position or turned into trouble but still a colossal effort.

Trai Hume: 9/10

Hume was so good defensively tonight, not giving Leeds any room to manoeuvre down his side of the pitch. Quick to close down and put a tackle in.

Lutsharel Geertruida: 6/10

Protected the defence well enough in the middle of the pitch but didn’t have much influence on the game, steady on the ball at least.

Noah Sadiki: 7/10

Got around the pitch as usual but was a little subdued on the ball, plenty of effort though. Got a bit lucky when he gave the ball away cheaply near our own corner flag in the first half.

Habib Diarra: 7/10

Like Sadiki, he struggled to impose himself on the ball but was always closing down at pace when Leeds had possession. Stepped up when it mattered to convert the penalty.

Enzo Le Fee: 7/10

Worked so hard off the ball to help out Hume and the midfielders, .

Nilson Angulo: 8/10

He was positive on the ball all night, looking dangerous whenever he had it, but put in a great effort defensively to help out O’Nien. Constantly tracking back and using his pace to nullify Gudmunsson.

Eliezer Mayenda: 5/10

Barely involved tonight, was offside too often and his only real opportunity was barely a half chance following Ballard’s header from a set piece.

Substitutes

Granit Xhaka: 7/10

Helped us over the line with his clever first time passing and getting into the right position to block a pass.

Wilson Isidor: 6/10

Had a part in winning the penalty when his effort was eventually handled by Ampadu.

Bertrand Traore: N/A

Only had a couple of minutes on the pitch, gave the ball away cheaply but then did great to recover and prevent a counter attack, seemingly injured himself as a result.

Chris Rigg: 6/10

A late change for Traore, helped us see out of the game.

Man of the Match: Dan Ballard

Lots of really good defensive performances tonight and a great clean sheet for Ellborg on his debut, my man of the match was Dan Ballard though who showed how well deserved the new contract was. An absolute brick wall at the back, got the better of Calvert Lewin time and time again and was dominant in the air from start to finish.

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals didn’t just release Kyler Murray; they reset their identity. Moving on from a former No. 1 overall pick signals more than frustration; it signals a philosophical pivot. The question now isn’t who starts Week 1. It’s whether Arizona prioritizes stability, upside, or patience.

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The first option is the pragmatic route, and using Jacoby Brissett as a bridge. Brissett has been a stable veteran in the NFL, though he has never been an elite QB and struggled mightily at times in Arizona. In a league where turnover margin correlates strongly with wins, that matters. A steady veteran, though, would have Arizona evaluate its roster, preserve draft capital, and position itself for what scouts already believe is a deeper quarterback class next year. It’s not flashy, but it’s strategic.

Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Another route Arizona could lean towards swings for upside. Malik Willis, reportedly seeking $30 million annually, is a gamble. His athletic traits are undeniable, yet his career completion percentage and processing metrics suggest projection over production. If Arizona believes its coaching staff can unlock him, the move signals belief in development. If not, it risks cap inflexibility during a rebuild.

Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Finally, the Cardinals could blend patience and ambition by drafting QB help now and developing deliberately. A prospect like Carson Beck learning behind Brissett, or even if a new veteran comes in like Jimmy Garoppolo, would create a QB competition. Historically, quarterbacks who sit at least half a season show improved decision-making metrics in Year 2. That developmental runway could align with Arizona’s roster timeline.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

For Arizona fans, this isn’t just about replacing Murray. It’s about avoiding quarterback purgatory. The Cardinals must decide whether to compete cautiously, bet on upside, or build methodically. The wrong answer delays relevance. The right one could reshape the NFC West conversation for years.

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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen