Arsenal set to battle Real Madrid and Manchester City for £83m-rated Bundesliga ace: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly making preparations to fight for Bundesliga ace Florian Wirtz, who is on Real Madrid's and Manchester City's radars. The Bayer Leverkusen playmaker has been a source of brilliance in recent years, leading the club to win the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal last season. His impressive performances were coupled with 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 games across competitions.
It is no surprise that clubs have taken a strong interest in the 21-year-old playmaker, with some juggernauts clamoring for his services. According to reports from the German outlet Bild (via Metro), Wirtz is expected to leave his club in the summer of 2025, despite his contract expiring in 2027.
Real Madrid have had their eyes on him as they prepare to lose aging midfielder Luka Modric and are still reeling from Toni Kroos retiring this summer. For Manchester City, players like Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are in their 30s, which necessitates the need for a long-term replacement.
There were reports that included Paris Saint-Germain as one of the clubs chasing after Wirtz. However, they have decided to opt out of the race, leaving a spot open for Arsenal to make their move. The report from Bild has revealed that the Gunners are serious about Wirtz and have made a commitment to sign him.
This comes with the injury to captain and playmaker Martin Odegaard, who currently does not have a like-for-like replacement at the Emirates Stadium. The interested clubs are hoping to sign Wirtz for £83.2 million. However, it is worth noting that Leverkusen do not plan to sell him. General director Fernando Carro made this clear in a statement:
"I was mistaken in saying that Florian Wirtz’s price is around €150 million. In reality, he is priceless. Florian is not available for transfer."
Wirtz has already started this season in brilliant form, having racked up six goals and one assist in seven games across all competitions. Four of those goals have come in four Bundesliga games.
Arsenal against any move for superstar defender amidst Real Madrid interest
The Gunners will be wary about Los Blancos, whose eyes have also reportedly turned towards them for a potential transfer. The Spanish giants are said to be interested in a move for superstar defender William Saliba.
However, according to a report from FootballTransfers, Arsenal are not interested in listening to an offer for the 23-year-old. They will not meet Real Madrid to negotiate. The report deems Saliba to be priceless, and the Gunners are expected to seriously push against any potential moves.
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in including Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes in the deal for Saliba. However, Arsenal are expected to ignore even this. It is also believed that the defender himself remains happy and committed at the Emirates Stadium.