Arsenal ‘want Wirtz as they join transfer battle with Real Madrid and Man City’

ARSENAL are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to reports.

The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors and he is on the radar of Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Wirtz was a key part of Bayer Leverkusen's success last season as they won the Bundesliga for the first time in the club's history.

Xabi Alonso's side did not even lose a single game and almost went all the way in Europe too, reaching the Europa League final.

Wirtz caught the eye with 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, and followed that up with two goals at the Euros, including an equaliser in Germany's defeat to Spain.

He has started this season on fire too with six goals in seven games, sparking interest from Arsenal.

According transfer guru Christian Falk Arsenal want to sign Wirtz, who reportedly wants to leave Leverkusen next summer.

However the Gunners may have to spend big to land the 21-year-old as he has a price tag of £125million.

And with several big hitters interested he could cost even more, with City and Real Madrid not afraid to spend heavily to get the targets they want.

Wirtz could also be enticed by another German side, Bayern Munich, who are also linked to the attacking midfielder.

Last season former Arsenal youngster Jermaine Pennant suggested Wirtz would be perfect for the Gunners, highlighting his football IQ.

Pennant said: “I think Arsenal should have gone for Wirtz, his footballing IQ is off the charts.

“He’s not a speed merchant but he’s clever on the ball and he seems to always pick the right pass.

“His assists are great, he has an eye for goal and I think he’d be a fantastic addition to Arsenal, he’d fit in perfectly there.”