‘We went for Him first,but Arteta is trying to play a smart game here’: Man City boss Pep Guardiola confessed £87m Bundesliga striker now want to join Arsenal over Man City
Arsenal are one of the sides monitoring Florian Wirtz, but Bayer Leverkusen want as much as £87 million for their attacking midfielder.
That is according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, which suggests that Manchester City and Tottenham are also keeping an eye on the 20-year-old.
Florian Wirtz has been electric in the early stages of the season. He is certainly living up to his manager, Xabi Alonso comparing him with Lionel Messi.
Arsenal target Florian Wirtz will cost up to £87 million
Wirtz has scored five goals and contributed eight assists across the Bundesliga and the Champions League. And he scored a wonder goal at the weekend as Leverkusen kept themselves top of the league with a win over Freiburg.
Speaking to Ranks FC, journalist Dean Jones suggested that Newcastle are one of the teams most interested in bringing Wirtz to the Premier League. But Mundo Deportivo is now suggesting that Arsenal are amongst those in the running.
However, Leverkusen are not going to let him leave on the cheap. In fact, they want up to €100 million and do not plan to accept anything below £70 million.
News may price Gunners out of a move
Arsenal fans may have mixed feelings about the prospect of targeting Wirtz. He is undoubtedly a ‘special‘ talent with a huge ceiling.
However, he is not a natural striker. And that appears to be the priority for Mikel Arteta’s side as they look to take that final step and push for the Premier League title.
If Wirtz was available for less, it would be a no-brainer for a club such as Arsenal which really helps young prospects thrive.
However, they have already signed the likes of Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira in the last couple of years, and spent decent money on the pair.
So it is going to be difficult for Arsenal to address the remaining issues within the squad while also launching a move for Wirtz.
