With the 27-year-old playmaker out of contract this summer and expected to depart Germany for the first time in his career, the World Cup winner is attracting interest from a cluster of Serie A sides.
AC Milan and AS Roma have both made contact over potentially signing Götze as they weigh up their options ahead of this summer transfer window. That’s according to Sky Germany, who also claim Milan’s city rivals Inter are interested too.
Both sides were previously linked with the German playmaker, but turned down the opportunity to sign him for a cut-price fee in January – wage demands were said to be a stumbling block.
READ: Injuries, frustration yet still promise: What’s next for Mario Gotze?
Roma reportedly have plans for him to replace Arsenal loanee Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who scored six and created three assists in 13 top-flight appearances before the pandemic suspended play last month.
Mkhitaryan is 31 and although Arsenal are prepared to let him leave, Götze presents a more cost-effective option with longevity too – provided he stays fit.
Elsewhere, Inter signed fellow playmaker Christian Eriksen three months ago, so they don’t necessarily need him but Sky Germany suggest they remain interested in his situation. Napoli have also been linked in recent weeks.
Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin were both linked, though a report last week suggested he’s not interested in either club and instead prefers a challenge abroad.
Matthaus suggests step down is next for Götze
Germany legend Lothar Matthäus added his opinion on the situation, saying Götze should prepare to take a step down in quality:
“I can’t see him joining a top club,” the 59-year-old told Sky.
“Mario has achieved so much and secured the World Cup for us [in 2014]. He had great years at Dortmund and also had his moments at Bayern. But you have to ask: Where is a type of player like Götze in demand?
“He has to take a step down in his career, not just club-wise, but also in terms of salary.”
Mo and Sports 