Real Madrid identify 21-year-old as priority signing to replace Luka Modric if he leaves club next summer: Reports

La Liga outfit Real Madrid have identified Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz as a potential replacement for Luka Modric, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS.

Modric, who signed a one-year contract extension earlier this summer, could opt to end his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu side next June. With him set to turn 40 next September, he could either choose to hang up his boots or secure a big payday in the Saudi Pro League.

Wirtz, on the other hand, has established himself as one of the best playmakers in the world over the last season. The 21-year-old registered 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 total appearances for Leverkusen, helping his team notch a domestic double in the 2023-24 campaign.

Should Real Madrid launch a permanent move to snap up Wirtz, they would boast excellent midfield depth. The German would potentially emerge as a crucial starter and offer good competition for places to the likes of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in midfield.

The Real Madrid target has scored 47 goals and contributed 51 assists in 162 total matches for Xabi Alonso's side since his debut in May 2020.

Ian Wright hits out at Liverpool for contract stance on Real Madrid-linked Englishman

Speaking recently to ITV, Arsenal legend Ian Wright shared his honest thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold's current situation at Liverpool with Real Madrid believed to be keen to sign him. He said (h/t GOAL):

"You can't see anything happening in January, for sure, especially the way Liverpool have started the season, but for me, what he's done for Liverpool up to this point... it's different when people talk about Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, yeah, they won League Cups and European Cups and the FA Cup but he's won the lot."

Insisting that Liverpool's owners should have resolved Alexander-Arnold's contract situation prior to this summer, the Gunners great added:

"He's won the Premier League, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup, the League Cup, he's won everything and he's done it at his hometown club. Liverpool and [Fenway Sports Group] FSG have got themselves into a position where he's in his last year. It's crazy."

Alexander-Arnold, who is in the final nine months of his current deal, has allegedly been linked with Los Merengues since the start of the 2024-25 campaign. The 26-year-old could decide to depart his team next summer after helping them win eight trophies in eight years.

So far, the Reds vice-captain has made 319 appearances across competitions for the Anfield side. The offensive-minded right-back has found the back of the net 19 times and laid out 83 assists for his club.