Chelsea is making significant progress in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, a player who has also attracted interest from Manchester City, according to reports from SPORT in Spain.
The latest developments surrounding Florian Wirtz, who is on Manchester City’s radar, are intriguing and merit closer examination. Chelsea has reportedly intensified their negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen in their quest to secure the services of the young German international.
The talks between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen are advancing, and what’s worth noting is the strong relationship between the two clubs, which was fostered by Chelsea’s £71 million signing of Kai Havertz back in September 2020. This relationship is playing a pivotal role in these discussions, as it creates a sense of trust and understanding between the clubs.
This recent development follows an earlier story from SPORT, which indicated that Manchester City is planning a bid for Florian Wirtz in 2024. Pep Guardiola is eager to inject fresh creativity into the Etihad Stadium, and Wirtz’s talents have caught his eye.
Bayer Leverkusen is expected to demand a substantial fee of €80 million (£70 million) for the 20-year-old midfielder. This valuation is reflective of Wirtz’s impressive performances this season, where he has contributed five goals and eight assists in just 13 appearances for the club. This showcases his immense potential and the impact he can have on a team.
If Chelsea manages to secure Wirtz’s signature, it could potentially prompt Manchester City to explore alternative options. Christian Falk, the Head of Football at the German news outlet BILD, has reported that Guardiola is also interested in acquiring Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, who plays a similar No. 10 role behind the striker, much like Wirtz. This suggests that Guardiola is actively seeking to reinforce his midfield and attacking options.
Considering that both Wirtz and Musiala occupy similar positions on the field, it seems unlikely that Guardiola would pursue both of them for the Etihad Stadium. Therefore, it is plausible that Manchester City will focus on securing either Musiala or Wirtz, rather than attempting to sign both players. BILD reports that Musiala is currently valued at £96 million, and if Manchester City were to pursue both Musiala and Wirtz, it would likely place a substantial financial burden on the club.
The situation is certainly one to keep a close eye on as Guardiola aims to secure a new No. 10 for Manchester City in 2024. The choice between Wirtz and Musiala will have a significant impact on the club’s future dynamics and squad composition. It’s a decision that will not only shape the team’s on-field performance but also its financial considerations.