Arsenal pushing to sign €150 million-rated Real Madrid and Manchester City target - Reports

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Real Madrid target Florian Wirtz, according to Bild. The German midfielder has become a household name following his exploits with Bayer Leverkusen and is also wanted at Manchester City.

Wirtz was on fire last season, registering 18 goals and 20 assists from 49 games across competitions. His contributions were key to his club's triumph in the Bundesliga as well as the DFB Pokal.

The 21-year-old's efforts have already earned him admirers at Real Madrid. Los Blancos bid adieu to Toni Kroos at the end of last season, with the German wizard hanging up his boots following a fruitful career.

The La Liga giants opted against signing a replacement for the 34-year-old this year and have reportedly identified Wirtz as the ideal candidate for the job. Real Madrid are ready to move for him in the summer of 2025 but will face competition from Arsenal for the German.

The Gunners are already on the rise under Mikel Arteta, who has transformed his team into one of the best in the Premier League. However, the north London outfit still came up short against Manchester City last season, narrowly missing out on the league title.

The Spanish manager wants to add more creativity to his squad to help his team compete with the best in the land. The north London side believes that Wirtz can take them to a higher level and are ready to battle for his services next summer.

Ironically, Pep Guardiola is apparently a fan of the German as well and City could also pose a challenge to Arsenal's pursuit in 2025. Bayer Leverkusen are likely to demand €150m for the German as per the aforementioned report but his suitors are hoping that a deal can be completed for €100m.

Can Arsenal pip Real Madrid to Florian Wirtz's signature?

Florian Wirtz

Arsenal will be wary as beating Real Madrid to Florian Wirtz's services won't be an easy task. The common belief in world football right now is that when Los Blancos set their eyes on a player, they usually get their man.

But the Gunners are unlikely to give up without a fight. The north London side have assembled an enviable squad in recent years and Wirtz could be tempted to join a rising force and transform them into champions. Arsenal have already shown that they are not afraid to splash the cash on worthy targets.

However, recent rumors have suggested that the La Liga champions want Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor in 2025. If that happens, it is hard to imagine Wirtz not following his manager to Real Madrid.