Aston Villa open talks to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer

Aston Villa have opened talks to sign Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports.

Goretzka is currently without a club after his contract with Bayern Munich expired at the end of last season. Villa are keen to add a defensive midfielder before the summer transfer window closes as manager Unai Emery looks to strengthen the squad for the campaign ahead.

The 31-year-old had previously been linked with moves to Italian club AC Milan and Spanish side Barcelona this summer. Villa’s interest comes as they seek greater depth in central midfield following significant changes to their squad.

Bayern midfielder Joao Palhinha had also been among Villa’s targets, but he is set to join Portuguese club Benfica.

Goretzka made 48 appearances for Bayern Munich in his final season with the club, scoring five goals and providing five assists. Across his career, he has played 541 matches in all competitions for VfL Bochum, Schalke and Bayern Munich, scoring 102 goals and contributing 82 assists.

Villa are attempting to reinforce their midfield and create more competition for places within Emery’s side. The club have already seen Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Lucas Digne and Enzo Barrenechea leave during the current period of squad changes.

They have brought in Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Zion Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri, while Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have joined on loan.

Villa will compete in the UEFA Champions League this season after finishing fourth in the Premier League last term. Their domestic campaign is due to begin on Sunday, when they face Brighton in the Premier League.

They also recently faced Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, having qualified as last season’s UEFA Europa League winners. Villa lost that match 2-1.

A move for Goretzka would therefore give Emery another experienced option as Villa balance their Premier League ambitions with the demands of European competition. The German’s availability on a free transfer is likely to increase interest in his signature, with Villa now reported to have started discussions over a potential deal.