Leon Goretzka: Arsenal £21m target shining for Germany in Confederations Cup and likely to leave Schalke
Schalke midfielder has been a star in the Bundesliga this season and netted in Germany's Confederations Cup opener against Australia
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ARSENAL continue to be linked with Schalke and Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka.
Arsene Wenger has already raided the Bundesliga club for Bosnian full-back Sead Kolasinac and could return to Gelsenkirchen for another signing.
22-year-old Goretzka has impressed with Schalke this season and is expected to move to one of Europe's big clubs this summer.
Here's everything you need to know about the midfielder.
Who is Leon Goretzka?
The German midfielder, 22, currently plays for Schalke.
The Royal Blues are struggling in mid-table this season, but Goretzka has been a rare bright spot for Markus Weinzierl's side.
The 6ft 2in midfielder has the first name on the team sheet when fit and has chipped in with some important goals.
Born in Bochum, Goretzka joined his local side in 2001 as a six-year-old. He rose through the youth teams before making his debut at just 17.
He played for a season for Bochum in the Bundesliga 2, before Schalke paid £3m for him in 2013.
Goretzka has been a regular for the side ever since but the club are struggling to agree a new deal.
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What position is Goretzka and what is his playing style?
Goretzka plays as a box-to-box central midfielder - although he has been used as a defensive midfielder and even a winger on occasion.
The tall, powerful midfielder not only has excellent technique, but is a superb athlete.
He can often be seen bursting forward from midfield having broken up play.
He is happy to carry the ball forward and has a good turn of pace to beat a player.
On the ball Goretzka is more than capable of picking a key pass forward, or spraying the ball to the wings - and he is comfortable with two feet.
Goretzka has a powerful shot and his height makes him a threat from set-pieces.
He's also good at tracking back and breaking up the play.
How much experience does Goretzka have and has he won any trophies?
Goretzka played a season at Bochum before moving to Schalke in the Bundesliga.
In his four seasons witht the Rurh Valley club he has played more than 100 games, appearing in the Champions League and Europa League.
Goretzka has been capped at every level from U16 for Germany, making his senior debut in 2014 - he has three caps.
He helped Germany win the U17 Euros in 2012 and was a part of the Olympic squad in Rio 2016.
However, despite being named captain of the squad, he was injured in the first match and had to watch as the team went on to win the silver medal without him.
