Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City in €130m battle for Bundesliga star | OneFootball

Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City in Race for €130m-Rated Wirtz as Bayer Leverkusen Hold Firm

Premier League Giants Circle Leverkusen’s Midfield Star

Florian Wirtz has become one of the most sought-after talents in European football, with Caught Offside reporting that Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are among the clubs keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old midfielder.

Photo: IMAGO

After delivering 28 goal contributions—15 goals and 13 assists—for Bayer Leverkusen this season, the German international has earned plaudits from across the continent. Xabi Alonso, his current manager, has publicly praised him as a “genius”, and it’s no surprise that elite clubs are now making their interest known.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid and Bayern Lead Continental Chase

Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring Wirtz closely, particularly amid growing speculation over Vinicius Jr’s potential departure to Saudi Arabia. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are preparing a formal approach, determined not to lose another German star to an international rival.

Bayer Leverkusen are not keen to sell but are aware that serious interest could test their resolve. Wirtz is under contract until 2027, and sources indicate the Bundesliga champions are pushing to extend that to 2028, reinforcing their negotiating position.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool, Arsenal and City Eye Creative Upgrade

Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, are actively seeking additional creativity in midfield. Wirtz’s ability to operate in central roles or drift wide offers exactly the tactical fluidity that would suit Slot’s evolving system.

At Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard has carried much of the creative burden. Wirtz could complement the Norwegian or provide depth in a season where Mikel Arteta is expected to compete on multiple fronts.

Photo: IMAGO

Manchester City’s interest is more immediate. With Kevin De Bruyne departing and Jack Grealish set to be offloaded, Pep Guardiola is believed to view Wirtz as a natural solution to regenerate City’s attacking midfield.

Photo IMAGO

Leverkusen Stand Firm on Price

Bayer Leverkusen are understood to be demanding a fee in the region of €120-130 million, which could restrict the field to clubs capable of large-scale investment. Still, interest from the Premier League remains concrete.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the idea of Wirtz joining Arne Slot’s new-look midfield is thrilling. This is exactly the kind of smart, long-term investment that could redefine how the Reds operate creatively. He’s young, technically exceptional and already delivering elite numbers—he’d instantly add sharpness and flair.

Arsenal fans, too, have reason to hope. While Ødegaard has been exceptional, the load can’t fall solely on him in big matches. Wirtz would bring the kind of versatility and vision Arsenal have lacked in deeper Champions League ties. He could play in tandem with the Norwegian or give Arteta rotation flexibility.

And for Manchester City supporters, this could be part of a generational shift. With De Bruyne gone and Grealish underwhelming, Guardiola’s midfield needs refreshing. Wirtz is not a like-for-like replacement, but his dynamism and tactical intelligence make him ideal for Pep’s evolving game model.

No matter who wins the race, this will be a headline-making deal. One of the Bundesliga’s brightest stars is set for a colossal move—and Premier League fans will be watching closely.