Arsenal look set to make a move for German midfielder Leon Goretzka in order to prevent Southampton from grabbing the 20-year-old’s signature.

Ronald Koeman is a known admirer of the Bundesliga star, and the Dutchman is reportedly ready to table a bid of around £12 million in order to secure his services. Despite Schalke’s reluctance to sell their starlet, the Saint’s were confident that they can prize the German away and replace the gap left by Morgan Schneiderlin.

However, Arsenal’s apparent interest means that the central midfielder could ask to be transferred – with the youngster much preferring a move to the Gunners over Southampton.

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt told BILD: “We do not have the intention to sell Leon, Leon Goretzka is under contract at our club.”

Goretzka is one of the most highly rated young players in Germany at the moment. His development may have stalled after an injury that meant he could only make 10 appearances last season, but nevertheless the 20-year-old is a star in the making, and was named in Germany’s preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup last summer, before the numbers were slashed down to 23.

Arsene Wenger is said to be interested in the box-to-box midfielder, who can play on the left as well as in the centre of midfield, but the Arsenal boss was wary of his injury troubles and wanted to wait until next summer to begin negotiations, but Southampton’s interest might well have left Wenger with little choice.

Whilst it remains to be seen if Arsenal’s interest is concrete, should Schalke be willing to sell then the youngster would be available at around £12-15 million. A bargain when you consider the potential the German International possesses.