Arsenal transfer news: Hunt for Leon Goretzka gathers pace

Arsenal have joined the chase for a player described by the Daily Star as "one of the best young players in the world".

The superstar in waiting is Leon Goretzka of Schalke, who impressed for Germany in their Confederations Cup victory earlier this month and the Star says that Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid are all tailing the 22-year-old midfielder.

Goretzka has been Schalke's standout player in recent seasons in the Bundesliga and since making his international debut he's scored three goals in nine matches, while gaining a reputation for maturity beyond his tender years.

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Goretzka's contract with Schalke expires next summer and the German outfit are considering selling the young playmaker now for a stack of cash rather than see him leave on a free transfer in 12 months.

Arsenal scouts were apparently making notes on Goretzka during the Confederations Cup, and Sportsbild reports that Arsene Wenger is a huge fan "and wants to bring him to north London this summer".

He won't have things all his own way as Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is also an ardent admirer and the two men could go head to head in a bidding war with Bild claiming that "Schalke would not consider selling for anything less than £27m".

Apparently they have tried to entice Goretzka into staying by offering him a four-year contract worth £135,000-a-week but Goretzka is demanding a weekly wage closer to £165,000-a-week, which is beyond the means of Schalke.

Talking of playmakers, the Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal have told have told West Ham "that they will have to stump up £20m if they are to land Jack Wilshere".

The injury-prone midfielder spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and his Emirates days appear numbered with Wenger deciding that the 25-year-old is too fragile for his squad.

Serie A side Sampdoria offered a paltry £6m for Wilshere, an offer that was treated with the contempt it deserved, and the Hammers are now considering whether to meet Arsenal's asking price.

Finally, the Daily Express says that Everton are close to completing a £20m move for Olivier Giroud. Earlier in the week Borussia Dortmund were linked to the French frontman but the Express says that the German outfit have gone cold on the idea but that the Toffees are still stuck on the prospect of signing the unwanted Gunners Gallic star.

Apparently Everton are also Giroud's "first choice destination" with the Merseyside club wanting him as their replacement for the recently-departed Romelu Lukaku, where he will operate alongside Wayne Rooney in their new-look frontline.