Robin Bairner
Arne Slot, Florian Wirtz, Liverpool
© IMAGO
Liverpool appear to be growing frustrated with the stalling nature of their move for Florian Wirtz and have handed Bayer Leverkusen an ultimatum in order to resolve the situation.
The Reds have been close to signing Germany international playmaker Wirtz for several days. After the deal to snap up Jeremie Frimpong was completed, they went back to talks with Leverkusen over this second transfer.
But while a move for the Netherlands international was easy to resolve due to the presence of a release clause in his contract, Liverpool are finding a move for Wirtz a good deal more complicated.
Already, Arne Slot’s side have had a couple of offers knocked back and now they are ready to make a last bid worth €140 million (£118m) for the 22-year-old.
The Daily Mail reports that this will be Liverpool’s final offer but suggests that while B04 have been standing firm with a demand of €150m, they could be prepared to agree this price.
Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen
© IMAGO - Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen
Wirtz tempted by huge Liverpool contract
Should it be accepted, Wirtz has already made it clear that he wants to join the Anfield club, with personal terms already agreed. Liverpool are set to pay the player an estimated €400,000 per week in a deal that threatens to shatter their wage structure. From there, the transfer should become a formality.
Liverpool are targeting a British record deal, which would surpass the €135m they sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for in January 2018.
Slot’s side are also seeking to obliterate the club’s record signing, which currently stands at the €85m they paid Benfica for Darwin Nunez, €75m of which came by way of an upfront payment.
Wirtz will be putting pressure on Leverkusen to ensure that the German club accepts a deal, having made clear internally that he wants to move to Anfield.
Bayern Munich and Manchester City have also been interest in the technical wizard, but this interest has faded, with Pep Guardiola’s side now chasing Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also working on completing a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, but the Wirtz situation is likely to be resolved first.
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