Arsenal have apparently moved ahead of their competition in the race to sign Leon Goretzka from Schalke 04.
The 22-year-old is understood to be Arsene Wenger's top midfield target, but has also attracted interest from clubs including both Manchester sides, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, according to The Sun, the Gunners have moved ahead of the pack as they look to preempt the potential departures of out-of-contract players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
Goretzka, who joined Schalke in 2013, sees his current contract come to an end this summer, although the German outfit are reported to be keen on retaining his services with a club-record deal.
Earlier this week, the player said that he would make a "final decision" on his future in January, having scored six goals in 12 Bundesliga appearances so far this season.
Dan Saney
