Leon Goretzka has spoken out amid speculation that a host of Premier League clubs are after his signature in the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as the greatest young talent in the Bundesliga and his performances for Schalke have put Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool on red alert.
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Schalke are confident they can keep hold of Goretzka for the remainder of the 2017/18 campaign, but England’s giants are set to battle it out for the German’s signature in the new year.
Asked about the recent rumours of his imminent exit at Schalke, Goretzka said: ‘I have to find out for myself what the next step should be.
‘I have to consider a million things. I am a person who is very meticulous in such decisions. I play through all the scenarios. So I need time.
‘There doesn’t exist a deadline, but I think we are in the final phase.
‘The final decision will be made in January.’
Both United and Arsenal are looking to open talks with Goretzka’s camp in January, but Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel is hopeful of holding onto the Germany international.
‘I think if Schalke had no chance to keep him I would be the first to know that,’ he told SportBild last month.
‘But I haven’t received that kind of information until now.
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‘Leon will make a decision soon without us building any pressure on him.’
It’s understood Juventus and Bayern Munich are also expressing a strong interest in Goretzka.
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