Arsenal given MAJOR advantage in Wirtz transfer race

Arsenal could be boosted in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayer Leverkusen determined not to sell their prized talisman to another German side.

Wirtz has established himself as one of the standout talents in Europe in recent seasons, leading to strong interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Leverkusen are expecting to face a number of bids in their star man next summer, with the Bundesliga champions putting a pricetag of more than €100 million on Wirtz.

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However, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has insisted he does not want to sell Wirtz to another team in Germany, effectively ruling Bayern Munich out of any race, with Vincent Kompany’s side having expected to be frontrunners for the 21-year-old’s signature.

“Of course, we don’t want to reinforce our league’s direct competitors with top-level players,” Carro told the Phrasenmäher podcast, via SPORT. “By the way, I also said this directly to Jonathan Tah. I understand that you want to leave, but I would have preferred any club to one in Germany.”

Carro also refused to rule out selling Wirtz, admitting: “In football you can’t promise anything. We would be happy if he stayed with us forever.”

What does the future hold for Florian Wirtz?

Wirtz still has three years remaining on his contract at Leverkusen and has so far refuted any interest in his services despite strong interest in him this summer.

Real Madrid are believed to have made Wirtz a priority target in midfield and the Spanish giants could lead the chase in any transfer, particularly with Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso also likely to be targeted to eventually succeed Carlo Ancelotti.

Man City are also expected to push hard for Wirtz as a long-term replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, who is in the final year of his contract and a target for Saudi Pro League sides, although their chances could hinge on the club’s legal battle with the Premier League.

Arsenal are believed to be the other side in with a chance of signing Wirtz but Mikel Arteta may look to focus resources on a forward instead due to the rapid development of youngster Ethan Nwaneri in midfield.