Arsenal admire rebounding Bundesliga attacker who Man City have ‘real interest’ in
Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has become of interest to Arsenal and Man City after recovering from a long-term injury, a report has claimed.
Around this time last year, Wirtz suffered a severe ligament injury. It brought an early end to a season in which he had scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists from 31 appearances.
The 19-year-old made his long-awaited return in January and has been in promising form since. Since his recovery, Wirtz has contributed two goals and six assists from 13 appearances.
As a result of his return to form, a report from 90min has put him in the frame for a Premier League transfer. According to the website, Arsenal have been watching him.
Currently top of the Premier League with a relatively youthful squad, Arsenal are aiming for long-term success, which has prompted them to shortlist players like Wirtz.
However, Man City are also said to have a “real interest” in the attacker, who can play up front, in behind the striker or on the left wing.
Furthermore, Tottenham and Newcastle are keeping an eye on how Wirtz is getting on. Alternatively, Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund might offer him the next step within the Bundesliga, or Barcelona could lure him to La Liga.
Florian Wirtz not expecting summer transfer yet
Bayer Leverkusen currently have Wirtz under contract until 2027. As things stand, they are not expecting to lose him this summer.
But the fact that they are only eighth in the Bundesliga table at present – risking no European involvement next season – may put pressure on them, as could a large offer from one of Wirtz’s suitors.
From the player’s perspective, there is a belief that Wirtz may be tempted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more season to ensure he plays regularly in the build-up to Euro 2024.
In 2021, Wirtz earned his first four caps for the Germany national team during World Cup qualification. Obviously, his injury prevented him from participating at the tournament itself.
Therefore, he will be extremely keen on making up for lost time and earning a place in Germany’s squad next summer.
Beyond then, there is plenty of time for him to make a big move elsewhere. Clubs like Arsenal and City are unlikely to lose sight of him if he keeps performing well.
Where would Wirtz fit in?
As an attacking midfielder, Wirtz could compete with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal.
The latter faces an uncertain future himself after fading from prominence due to his own injury issues. Now, he could be looking over his shoulders even more.
Alternatively, Wirtz’s task at Man City could be to rival Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, or replace the exit-linked Bernardo Silva.
Tottenham’s tactical plans for Wirtz may well depend on who their manager is next season, since it isn’t going to be Antonio Conte anymore.
Newcastle, meanwhile, could qualify for European football for next season. They have already been linked with Wirtz’s teammate Moussa Diaby and may be eyeing further quality to help them compete at a higher level.
