Bayern Munich News: AC Milan continues close watch on FC Bayern’s Leon Goretzka

AC Milan have not abandoned their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka and are maintaining regular dialogue with the player’s camp in hopes of engineering a summer transfer coup, sources have confirmed.

The Serie A giants have tracked the 29-year-old for months and, despite a crowded midfield field at San Siro, view Goretzka’s blend of physicality and experience as an ideal fit for Paulo Fonseca’s evolving squad. Contacts between Milan sporting directors and the Germany international’s representatives remain “alive and consistent,” according to people familiar with the discussions.

Goretzka’s exit from the Allianz Arena was effectively rubber-stamped last month when Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, flanked by head coach Vincent Kompany, told reporters that the club and player would part ways at season’s end. The announcement ended months of speculation over the midfielder’s future after he slipped down the midfield pecking order and became a lightning rod for supporter frustration.

While Goretzka’s reduced game time this term raises questions about match sharpness, Milan believe a full pre-season under Fonseca could restore the dynamism that once made him a mainstay for both club and country. Scouts from the Rossoneri have attended several Bayern fixtures since January, compiling detailed reports on the player’s positioning, pressing intensity and leadership within the squad.

Competition could yet emerge. The source text notes that “excellent clubs” are monitoring developments, though none have matched Milan’s level of engagement to date. Goretzka’s wage demands—estimated in previous windows at around €12 million net per season—may thin the field, yet Milan are exploring a structured deal that would spread the salary burden across performance-related bonuses.

Any move hinges on Milan qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Sitting inside the top four with a game in hand, the Diavolo are increasingly confident of securing the revenue streams necessary to green-light what would represent one of the marquee signings of the Italian summer.

For Bayern, Goretzka’s impending departure forms part of a broader midfield refresh. The Bavarians continue to weigh moves for younger, high-energy profiles, though the club’s immediate priority lies on the flanks. Interest in RB Leipzig prodigy Yan Diomande has cooled after sporting figures inside the club balked at the €100 million valuation set by Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. With Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl already pencilled in as next season’s wide options, Bayern regard a nine-figure outlay for a back-up winger as fiscally imprudent.

Meanwhile, uncertainty clouds the future of captain Manuel Neuer. Bayern have not tabled a contract extension beyond 2026, and talks have been pencilled in for March or April. Neuer, who turns 40 on 27 March, recently rebuffed overtures from the German FA regarding a national-team return, fuelling speculation that the iconic keeper could opt to retire in the summer rather than extend his 14-year tenure in Munich.

Elsewhere on the market, Manchester United have set a €30 million floor for Marcus Rashford should Barcelona attempt to convert the England forward’s loan into a permanent switch. In France, Olympique Marseille are poised to decline their €15 million purchase option on Inter-owned defender Benjamin Pavard after a string of underwhelming displays. Liverpool, for their part, will listen to offers around £35 million for Federico Chiesa as Serie A clubs circle.

For now, all eyes at Milanello remain fixed on Munich. If Milan secure European football and Goretzka green-lights the switch, the Rossoneri could land a statement signing capable of reshaping their midfield for years to come.