Former Manchester United striker Owen Hargreaves has claimed that Mikel Arteta would love to bring Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz to the Emirates Stadium next summer.
The German midfielder is in the best form of his life for the second season running. He scored two goals in Die Werkself’s 4-0 victory over Feyenoord, making it five goals in six games in all competitions.
Last season, the 21-year-old was one of Leverkusen’s best performers in their invincible title winning campaign, helping Xabi Alonso’s side lift the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal trophies.
Bad news Arsenal fans! 😮
Florian Wirtz has overtaken Bukayo Saka as the most valuable debutant in Champions League history 👏 pic.twitter.com/66gIzFkQHl
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) September 19, 2024
He concluded his season with an outstanding 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 games, helping him win the Bundesliga Player of the Season. He also impressed in the Euro 2024 campaign alongside Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.
No doubt, he is a world-beater at his age, and having him will instantly improve any top team. Europe’s elite clubs are already in the running to lure the in-form star.
HARGREAVES TIPS ARSENAL TO GO AFTER FLORIAN WIRTZ
Wirtz was signed out for special praise from pundit Hargreaves, who believes that Real Madrid and Arsenal have the best chance to land him next year. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “His numbers last season were crazy, I think it was 15+ goals and assists. For a young kid, he’s producing for Germany and for Bayer Leverkusen.”
“He’s not a centre forward, you think about Toni Kroos leaving Real Madrid, I think he could go in and he could learn that role. Toni signed as a 10 and then he gradually went back, I think Florian could eventually be a controller of the game.”
“If I was him, it’s Man City or Real Madrid. I’m sure Mikel Arteta would love him at Arsenal too. He’s that good he makes every team better. He is a 10 but I just think he’s so smart to play anywhere.”
“If I were him, it’s Man City or Real Madrid… I’m sure Mikel Arteta would love him too!” 👀
Owen Hargreaves wonders where Florian Wirtz could land after an impressive performance on the European stage 🌟
📺 Watch #GoalsShowXtra on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/ZSpAZo096e
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 19, 2024
It’s no secret that Arsenal admire the player and could secure a midfield spot for years to come if they sign the Leverkusen ace. He could complete the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Arteta is renowned for bringing out the hidden talents in his players, even if that means trying them in a different position and helping them shine. He did it with Jurrien Timber, moving him to the left-back spot.
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He allowed Rice to operate as a box-to-box midfielder. The Spaniard also made Kai Havertz function as a false nine, which helped him score a lot of goals. Arteta loves versatile players, and he could make Wirtz one of his own.
The 21-year-old can operate in a new position at the Emirates. The Bundesliga honcho played in an advanced No. 10 position but can drop deep like Toni Kroos and control the midfield at Arsenal.
Although it won’t be his preferred position, it can help him score goals and also control possession for the team.
Real Madrid legend Kroos started as No. 10. But he was eventually told to play as a central midfielder, and the rest is history.
Among all the positives, the only major concern will be the player’s exorbitant asking price of £127 million. Wirtz’s contract expires in 2027, meaning his parent club has the right to ask a huge fee in order to let him leave in between his deal.
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The Gunners won’t be splashing such an insane amount given that they need to balance their books. Madrid have the financial strength to strike a move, but at this moment, nothing has been decided.
He might either continue to stay at Bay Arena or move to a European biggie if all boxes are ticked.
