Arsenal are interested in signing one of Bayer Leverkusen’s leading stars next year.
The Gunners had a relatively quiet summer transfer window, with Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling signing for the club.
Arsenal were tipped to spend big on a striker or a young winger at the start of the summer, but the board opted to sign Sterling on loan instead.
BILD journalist Christian Falk now reports that Arsenal are interested in signing Florian Wirtz, who has his sights on a new challenge next season.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Germany international. Leverkusen want a record fee of £125 million for the 21-year-old.
Arsenal could make an ambitious move for Wirtz
Martin Odegaard is the undisputed starter in the number 10 position. This is where Wirtz has generally operated for the German champions.
However, the duo could play together. Manager Mikel Arteta has gone with a 4-1-4-1 formation on occasions with two playmaking midfielders.
Wirtz would be a splendid signing for Arsenal, considering he is just entering the prime of his career.
The ‘gifted attacker‘ bagged 18 goals and 20 assists from 49 outings last term. He has started this season in stellar fashion with six goals and one assist from seven games.
Aside from his goal involvements, Wirtz has also excelled with his distribution, work rate and recoveries. He appears perfectly suited for Arteta’s playing style.
Arsenal have the capacity to break their own transfer record for Wirtz, but a deal could ultimately depend on whether they can end their trophy drought with major silverware.
A Premier League or FA Cup title this season could be essential in persuading Wirtz to make the switch to London amid fierce competition from Madrid, City and Bayern.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.