Latest developments
- Manchester City have opened talks to sign Florian Wirtz.
- Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen prodigy.
- Real Madrid are also interested in the German playmaker.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Well-connected source makes major claim
Manchester City are holding behind-the-scenes talks to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. However, Bayern Munich are frontrunners for the Germany international.
That is according to Football Insider‘s Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, owing to his scouting stint at Manchester United.
Value (3.5/5): Leverkusen expected to lose Wirtz
The 21-year-old still has more than two years left on his contract at Leverkusen but it is anticipated that he will leave the club this summer amid interest from a number of clubs. It is claimed that City would have to pay around £100million to sign the elite number 10.
Suitability (4/5): Chaotic presence
Wirtz likes to create havoc in the final third with his fluid movement and link-up play. Despite starting through the middle, the attacking midfielder regularly likes to drift wide and take on his opponents to create openings for his teammates.
Upgrade? (4/5): De Bruyne replacement
City are exploring the market to find Kevin De Bruyne's replacement, with the ageing Belgian expected to depart this summer. Having led Leverkusen's frontline, Wirtz has already shown he has what it takes to play the central role in attack at Europe's biggest clubs.
Logic (3/5): Tempting move
The opportunity to play under Pep Guardiola in the Premier League should make Wirtz consider moving to City but with Real and Bayern also in the mix, it's not going to be a straightforward pursuit for the Manchester outfit.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
City's interest in Wirtz has now been widely reported so there might be some substance in suggestions of ongoing negotiations over a summer move.
