Two Premier League clubs are reportedly considered to have a ‘good chance’ of signing Florian Wirtz next summer, with a transfer battle expected for the Bayer Leverkusen superstar.
The German international is a key figure at Leverkusen, helping the club to an unbeaten domestic campaign last season as they secured the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal.
Witz contributed heavily with 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions for the German giants.
The 21-year-old has begun this season in similarly impressive fashion having scored six times in nine matches.
According to German outlet Bild, Leverkusen want to retain Wirtz’s services but are braced for his possible departure next summer.
Two Premier League clubs are reportedly in the race to sign Florian Wirtz next summer
The Bayer Leverkusen star has enjoyed a prolific start to the new season with six goals
The Bundesliga side want to keep Wirtz but are reportedly braced for his potential exit
The reigning German champions are reportedly set to demand €150m (£125m) if they are to sanction a sale next summer.
Bild report that their Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich are among the clubs in contention to sign Wirtz.
However, the outlet claim Champions League holders Real Madrid are favourites to land the attacker, but the Premier League duo of Man City and Arsenal stand a ‘good chance’.
Man City are said to view Wirtz as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian international, now 33, has been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions in recent months.
De Bruyne’s contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire at the end of the season.
The midfielder insisted he had not held talks over an exit in the summer and has hinted at potential discussions over a new deal at Man City.
Real Madrid are reportedly considered as the favourites to sign the German international
Man City are claimed to view Wirtz as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne
Arsenal are expected to invest next summer to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options
Arsenal are said to be another contender for Wirtz, with the Gunners expected to focus their summer plans on bolstering Mikel Arteta’s attack.
The Gunners made two major additions in the summer with defender Riccardo Calafiori joining from Bologna for £42m, while midfielder Mikel Merino signed for £33m.
Goalkeeper David Raya also completed a permanent switch to Arsenal having been on loan from Brentford last season.
Liverpool are reported to have an outside chance of landing Wirtz, while Barcelona are said to hold an interest but remain hamstrung by their ongoing financial issues.
