Real Madrid to face tough competition from PSG and Manchester City for top target next summer - Reports
Reported Real Madrid target Florian Wirtz has also garnered attention from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City. The German appears set to leave Bayer Leverkusen next summer.
Wirtz has attracted attention from numerous top clubs after his performances for Bayer Leverkusen. He scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists in 49 games across competitions last season, helping them win the Invincible Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. He has contributed six goals and one assist in 10 games across competitions this season.
Real Madrid are interested in signing Wirtz, as per Goal. They are looking for a replacement for Luka Modric, who is likely to leave at the end of the season. They will, however, have to stave off competition from other European heavyweights like Manchester City and PSG.
The Cityzens are interested in signing Wirtz as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian's contract is set to expire next season and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are interested in signing him. Meanwhile, PSG are looking to find a midfield partner for the talented youngster Joao Neves.
Bayern Munich are also interested in signing Wirtz and have already initiated contact with his representatives. The German would also reportedly prefer a move to the Bavarians before moving abroad. However, Bayer Leverkusen would prefer otherwise and will demand around €90 million transfer fee.
Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid potentially making signings in January transfer window
Real Madrid are currently dealing with a major issue in defense. Dani Carvajal has suffered an ACL injury and is out for the season. Meanwhile, David Alaba is still recovering from his ACL injury and is expected to return later this year.
As a result, they only have Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao as senior centre-backs, with Jesus Vallejo also in the mix. Moreover, they only have Lucas Vazquez in the right-back position. Hence, many expected Los Blancos to make some signings in the upcoming January transfer window.
Real Madrid will next take on Celta Vigo away in LaLiga on Saturday, October 19. In his pre-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti was asked if they will make any signings in January and he answered (via Managing Madrid):
"If we need a suitable player for Real Madrid, we wouldn't rule it out, but it's not that simple. We have youth players who can contribute, the return of Alaba, who will soon be with the team... At the moment we're not thinking about making any signings."
Los Blancos are currently second in the league table, three points behind leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona.