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Schalke’s sporting director Christian Heidel has spoken with Kicker magazine about the situation of Leon Goretzka, one of their leading players, who also played for Germany in the recent Confederations Cup.

Goretzka’s current contract with Schalke expires next year and he’s not ruled out a move abroad this summer, with rumours Arsenal are interested in the German. Another option is that he could wait until his contract ends, but it’s also possible he’ll sign a renewal.

Heidel admitted the ‘transfer market has totally exploded’: “A players scores 15 goals in his first season and he costs €50m. The market has gone crazy.”

Regarding Goretzka, Heidel added: “It’s partly amusing that people talk about it so much, and they speculate. I have been already been told by people that he has an agreement with Bayern Munich, and then someone comes to me and says he definitely knows that Leon has agreed a contract extension.”

Earlier this month we covered reports from Germany that Arsenal are interested in Goretzka, after he impressed for Schalke last season. It’s been claimed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been following the forward in recent months, but the Premier League side would face competition from Bayern Munich.

Arsenal could have to pay up to €30m to sign Goretzka this summer, but there’s a feeling in Germany that Premier League clubs would be entering a battle already lost. Despite Goretzka’s denials, the theory he’s already chosen Bayern Munich, and to move on a free next summer, is one which has taken hold.

Wenger’s desire to sign Goretzka this summer is understandable, but Arsenal won’t waste too much time on the chase if they know it’s already a lost cause.