Arsenal and Manchester City set to rival European giants for signing of 21-year-old Bundesliga superstar - Reports
Arsenal and Manchester City are competing with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich for the services of Florian Wirtz, according to BILD. The German midfielder has become a hot commodity in the European circuit following his impressive run with Bayer Leverkusen.
Wirtz was instrumental in the club's historic invincible Bundesliga triumph last season, while also helping them win the DFB Pokal. The 21-year-old finished the campaign with 18 goals to his name from 49 games while also registering 20 assists.
The player was a wanted man this summer but ended up staying at the BayArena. However, clubs are already lining up to battle for his services come the end of this season.
Arsenal are eyeing an ambitious move for Wirtz in 2025, having already invested heavily in the squad under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have developed in leaps and bounds under the Spanish manager but are yet to break Manchester City's stranglehold in the Premier League.
The north London side are apparently convinced that Wirtz's arrival could help sort the matter. The German could inject a shot of creativity into Arteta's side and run riot alongside Martin Odegaard.
However, City are already plotting to ruin Arsenal's plans. Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for the next big talent on the land. With Kevin De Bruyne in the final phase of his career and Ilkay Gundogan only a short time fix, Manchester City have now turned to Wirtz.
The German also has admirers at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who won't give him up without a fight. Interestingly, Barcelona are in the race as well but their poor financial situation makes a move unlikely.
Bayer Leverkusen are aware of the rising interest in their star man and are likely to demand around €150 million to let him go. The player is under contract at the Bay Arena until 2027, so prising him away won't be easy.
Can Arsenal pip Manchester City to Florian Wirtz's services?
Arsenal have managed to convince some really talented players to make the move to the Emirates in recent years. Declan Rice, for instance, was also linked with Manchester City in the summer of 2023 but opted to join the Gunners instead, as per Goal.
The north London side have shown that they are willing to break the bank for the right players. Meanwhile, the presence of Pep Guardiola at the helm of matters at the Emirates does provide City with an unfair advantage.
However, the former Barcelona manager's contract with the Premier League champions expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal. If Guardiola leaves Manchester City next summer, Arsenal could have a big advantage in the race.