Manchester City, Real Madrid set for £85m battle over Florian Wirtz

Manchester City are preparing to go head-to-head with Real Madrid for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield sensation Florian Wirtz.

in what could be one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer.

The 21-year-old German international, dubbed the ‘new Kevin De Bruyne,’ has been in exceptional form this season, contributing 27 goals and assists for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-topping side.

While Wirtz is believed to favour a move to Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola sees him as a long-term successor to De Bruyne, who turns 34 this summer and has struggled with injuries.

City, fresh from a £175 million winter spending spree, are already planning for the future. Phil Foden remains an internal option for the central playmaker role.

But Wirtz’s technical ability and creativity make him a prime candidate for Guardiola’s system.

Leverkusen would prefer to extend Wirtz’s contract, but his future could depend on Alonso’s next move, with the former Liverpool midfielder heavily linked to the Real Madrid job as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, could also enter the race, hoping to reunite Wirtz with Jamal Musiala at club level.