AC Milan are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, according to reports from Italy. The 29-year-old German international is out of contract at the end of June and is now expected to move to Serie A, with the Rossoneri having established a significant advantage in negotiations. Goretzka is understood to have given positive signals to the Milan hierarchy about accepting their proposal, with a formal announcement anticipated once Bayern's season concludes next week.
Goretzka's potential arrival would mark a major coup for manager Massimiliano Allegri, who had reportedly identified the experienced midfielder as a primary target for the upcoming window. The player is said to be attracted by the prospect of living in Milan and continuing his career in Italy. According to the reports, the proposed deal would see Goretzka sign a three-year contract with an option for a further season, with a net salary of approximately five million euros per year.
The move comes as Milan plan a significant midfield overhaul this summer. The futures of several current players, including Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, are in doubt, while veteran Luka Modric is yet to decide whether to stay, leave, or retire. This would leave a core of Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, and Samuele Ricci, necessitating multiple reinforcements. Goretzka's arrival on a free transfer would provide proven quality and experience without a transfer fee, freeing up resources for further business.
Despite nearing an agreement for Goretzka, Milan's midfield recruitment is not expected to stop there. The club retains a strong interest in Valencia's 22-year-old Spanish midfielder Javi Guerra, a target from last summer. Guerra recently signed a new long-term deal with a 100 million euro release clause, making a move complex, but Milan's pursuit is said to remain active. The club is also monitoring 22-year-old Canadian midfielder Ismael Koné, currently at Sassuolo, who has impressed with six Serie A goals this season.
Any move for Koné could involve complex negotiations with Sassuolo, who are reportedly interested in acquiring Milan youngsters on loan as part of any deal, such as striker Francesco Camarda or midfielder Christian Comotto. Goretzka's potential signing accelerates Milan's midfield rebuild, offering immediate stability and leadership, while the continued links to younger talents like Guerra and Koné signal a strategy of blending experience with long-term prospects. The club aims to finalize the German's deal swiftly so he can undergo medicals before focusing on the World Cup with his national team.
