Liverpool's £126m swoop for Wirtz is a statement of intent and would stun rivals

Liverpool's potentially record-breaking move for Florian Wirtz is a statement of intent from the Premier League champions.

With Manchester City and Arsenal ready to splash the cash this summer to close the gap, the Anfield club are ready to pay an eye-watering sum of money for the widely coveted Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.

It would represent a rare piece of extravagant business for such a measured club, whose fans often lambast owners Fenway Sports Group for not making 'marquee' signings.

But this would not just be a marquee transfer if they pull it off. This would be the coup of the summer to send shockwaves through not just English rivals but the offices of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Wirtz, 22, known as 'Flo' to his friends, won the Bundesliga player of the season last year for his starring role in Bayer Leverkusen's against-the-odds title triumph and unbeaten campaign, also playing a part in them winning the German Cup and reaching the Europa League final.

The family is steeped in football - his parents are his agents and his sister, Juliane, plays for the Werder Bremen women's team.

'Flo gives us the possibility to do special things,' said outgoing Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, while former Germany manager Hansi Flick, now at Barcelona, once insisted: 'Flo is just a huge asset for this team with his care-free nature. He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick - the full package.'

He can play off either flank, as a No 10 or as a striker.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold departing, one of Liverpool's aims for the summer was to replace his creative output, even if from a different position. Wirtz's good pal Jeremie Frimpong will help with that, too, when he signs - he has five goals and 12 assists this season from right wing-back.

If the Wirtz deal gets over the line, he could give a decade of service to Liverpool, who would land a player on the same level as Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland.

It is a statement from Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, dampening the narrative that their success this term was a one-off.

Noises from Liverpool have been positive all week: first, Manchester City signalled their intent to pull out because of the finances involved and then, on Friday, Bayern Munich also conceded defeat.

In Bavaria, they're said to be gutted. They thought the jewel of Germany was their man. President Herbert Hainer said on Saturday: 'Max Eberl (director) informed me Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.'

It could smash the British transfer record £115million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo, with Leverkusen originally demanding £126m (€150m) for Wirtz - but Liverpool may negotiate that down in an incentivised package including add-ons.

Sources in Germany say Leverkusen will not stand for anything but a fee that, for want of a better phrase, breaks the bank. They previously had hopes he would sign a 12-month extension to his deal that runs until 2027.

The Reds are preparing their first bid for Wirtz, who scored 16 goals and assisted another 15 this season.

Leverkusen have kept an eye on a couple of Liverpool players such as Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah to replace Wirtz and the outgoing defender Jonathan Tah, but these would be separate moves and interest is not advanced at this stage.

Rivals may balk at the eventual fee, should Liverpool and Leverkusen agree, but then the £54m Manchester City paid Wolfsburg for Kevin De Bruyne in 2014 raised eyebrows. Who is now talking about the fee as the brilliant Belgian waves farewell to the Etihad after 10 years this weekend?

It may not be easy to complete this deal but Wirtz is keen on a move to Merseyside and Liverpool are willing to push forward with their interest. Putting those statements together usually equals a sale.

If they pull it off, it will send a statement to rivals that on the weekend they lift the Premier League trophy, Liverpool are not resting on their laurels and will come back stronger to defend their crown.