Borussia Dortmund are planning talks with Mario Gotze in an attempt to fend off reported interest from Arsenal.
The attacking midfielder, who five years ago next month netted the winning goal for Germany in the World Cup final, was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium prior to the Europa League final.
With his contract at the Signal Iduna Park set to expire at the end of next season, this summer is realistically Dortmund's last chance to command a decent fee for the attacking midfielder.
However, amid links to the Gunners, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has revealed when the club plan to sit down with Gotze to discuss his long-term future.
"At the beginning of the new season, we will sit down together," Zorc told Sport Bild. "I think we have always been fair with Mario - especially during his difficult time.
"As always, we are relaxed because we are in good exchange with Mario's father and his advisor."
Gotze has left Dortmund once before in his career and it didn't work out how he would have liked as he struggled to command a regular place in the Bayern Munich team when Pep Guardiola was in charge.
The 27-year-old returned to Dortmund in the summer of 2016, signing a four-year contract, and weighed in with 14 goals and assists (7g, 7a) in the Bundesliga this season as Lucien Favre's side finished runners-up to Bayern.
A possible move to Arsenal for Gotze would see him replace Aaron Ramsey who will officially join Juventus on a free transfer at the beginning of next month.
He could also be reunited with compatriot Mesut Ozil as links to Fenerbahce for the Arsenal star have been disputed.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham director of football Damien Comolli is the man in charge of transfers at the Turkish club and he was asked about the possibility of signing the Arsenal star by AsistAnaliz.com.
"The question of Mesut is beyond imagination, so I can't waste my time on this," he said.
Keep up to date with the latest Arsenal news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Click here to enroll or text NEWS to 07557204612 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as arsenal dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Layth Yousif and the team on Arsenal.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
