Villa close to deal with Germany's Goretzka

Germany's Leon Goretzka (L) and Paraguay's Matias Galarza battle for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium. (is associated with: «Villa close to deal with Germany's Goretzka») Tom Weller/dpa

London (PA Media/dpa) -Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign midfielder Leon Goretzka, the Press Association understands.

The 31-year-old is a free agent following his June exit from Bayern Munich and Villa are understood to have held positive talks.

Goretzka, who played three times for Germany at the World Cup, is set for a medical ahead of signing next week.

He will provide exactly the type of experience boss Unai Emery is looking for in midfield following the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the serious injury suffered by Amadou Onana, who is set to miss the entire season with an ACL.

Goretzka won eight Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League with Bayern, whom he left at the end of last season after 312 appearances.

Villa are also looking to sign a central defender after Ezri Konsa's move to Arsenal was completed on Friday.