EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey
Manchester City are in need of some fresh talent.
Pep Guardiola has arguably shown too much loyalty to some players at the Etihad Stadium – who he has built strong connections with during many a title run over the years – with the Citizens now suffering from some weak links.
TBR Football understand Kyle Walker could be let go by Manchester City as the Citizens eye a revamp of the right-back department.
However, as Kevin De Bruyne approaches his 34th birthday, Guardiola could use a new attacking talent too – with TBR Football now informed that Manchester City are desperate to sign Bayer Leverkusen No.10 Florian Wirtz.
So much so, that the Citizens could even include a player in the bid.
Oscar Bobb and James McAtee in the spotlight as Manchester City eye Florian Wirtz
TBR Football understand Manchester City are willing to include some players as makeweights in a bid to sign the Germany international.
Sources have not mentioned to us who the Citizens could include in their offer, but interestingly, Bayer Leverkusen hold an interest in two Manchester City players.
TBR Football have been informed that the reigning champions of Germany admire Oscar Bobb and James McAtee – with Bayer Leverkusen under the impression either could effectively replace Wirtz.
That is encouraging for Manchester City – although competition for the German’s signature is fierce.
Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on before the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC St. Pauli 1910 at BayArena in Leverkus...
Photo by Hesham Elsherif/NurPhoto via Getty Images
We are told that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich want Wirtz too – the Spanish giants could offer Brahim Diaz in the deal, while the Bavarians have wonderkid Paul Wanner as a potential bargaining chip.
PSG, Arsenal and Liverpool are also pushing to sign the 21-year-old in 2025.
Wirtz is valued at £87m by Bayer Leverkusen – a fair price for a man with ten goals and five assists in 22 appearances already so far this season.
Florian Wirtz has been likened to Phil Foden
Manchester City already have the reigning Premier League Player of the Year on their hands in Phil Foden – and Guardiola could receive another elite talent like the England international in Wirtz.
MANCHESTER - Phil Foden of Manchester City FC during the UEFA Champions league match between Manchester City FC and Feyenoord at Etihad Stadium on ...
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
It was Mark Schwarzer – who suffered the most defeats in Premier League history – who said Wirtz plays like Foden, telling The Optus Sport Football Podcast: “He kind of reminds me of a Phil Foden, the type of player he is, dynamic, in terms of movement off the ball, on the ball, with the ball at his feet he’s elegant. He’s got a bit of that to him.”
The German is actually right footed – however – unlike Foden, so Guardiola could technically have the duo cutting inside from either flank, which would surely cause opponents all sorts of problems if a deal materialises.
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