City meet with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz while rivals Liverpool also register interest.
Manchester City have stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz, holding direct talks with the 22-year-old as they seek to reinforce their attacking options this summer.
Reports from German outlet Bild confirm that City officials met with Wirtz in recent days, signalling strong intent from the Premier League champions to bring the versatile German playmaker to the Etihad.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side face stiff competition. The Athletic reveals that Liverpool have also made contact with Wirtz’s camp, making their interest known as they prepare for a potentially transformative transfer window under Arne Slot. While no official bid has been lodged by either club, the dual approaches underline Wirtz’s growing reputation across Europe after his standout season in Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign.
Elsewhere, Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, 24, who has become unsettled at the Bernabéu following a series of behind-the-scenes tensions. Spanish outlet AS reports the Brazilian is now attracting Premier League suitors, though Los Blancos may demand a hefty fee.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also looking to strengthen, with Sky Sports confirming the Spanish giants are ready to meet the £50 million release clause of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, 20. The Spanish international, currently playing in England, is highly rated and viewed as a long-term investment.
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee could be on his way out after an underwhelming campaign at Old Trafford. Corriere dello Sport claims Inter Milan are exploring a summer swoop for the Dutch forward, 23, as they look to bolster their attacking ranks.
Liverpool have rebuffed an approach from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold. According to The Sun, the Spanish side were willing to pay just £850,000 to secure an early release ahead of a potential free transfer – a figure Liverpool dismissed outright.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are edging ahead of Chelsea in the race to land Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. TeamTalk reports the Magpies are now favourites to sign the 24-year-old centre-back, with Eddie Howe keen to reinforce his defence after a mixed campaign.
In Germany, Bayern Munich have agreed terms with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Jonathan Tah. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal for the 29-year-old Germany international, who is expected to complete his move after the Euros.
Barcelona are also planning a major squad overhaul. AS reports that the Catalan club are preparing to rival Arsenal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, 24, while ESPN adds that Barça want to bring in a centre-back, full-back, and winger to ease the load on 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
To fund these moves, The Mirror reports Barcelona are willing to offload up to eight first-team players this summer in what could be one of the club’s most dramatic squad reshuffles in years.
Meanwhile, Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, 22, is set to leave RB Leipzig despite only making his permanent switch in January. Fabrizio Romano claims Simons is eyeing a move to a bigger European club as he seeks Champions League football.In the Championship, Bristol City are hoping to retain striker Nahki Wells, 34, after narrowly missing out on promotion via the play-offs. Sky Sports says the Robins are keen to keep his experience up front heading into next season.
