Manchester City are reportedly in pole position to sign Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Premier League champions looking to add another world-class talent to their squad. Wirtz, who has been one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga, has caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, and City’s interest has intensified as they aim to secure a successor for the legendary Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian midfielder, who has been a key figure at the Etihad for several seasons, is expected to leave the club as a free agent this summer, making the need for a replacement even more urgent. Manchester City are confident in their ability to fend off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both of whom have expressed interest in the young German international.

According to sources, including Give Me Sport, Manchester City hold a significant advantage in the race for the 21-year-old. Wirtz is seen by many as a potential long-term successor to De Bruyne, a player who has been the creative heartbeat of the team for years. City are reportedly eager to move quickly to secure a deal for Wirtz, who has the technical ability, vision, and intelligence to fill De Bruyne’s shoes in the years to come.

While Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are both keen on signing the highly-rated playmaker, Leverkusen’s reluctance to sell to a direct domestic rival could work in City’s favor. The Bundesliga club is said to be cautious about strengthening a competitor in the same league, which may make the prospect of Wirtz moving to the Premier League more appealing. This reluctance could prove to be a pivotal factor in Manchester City’s favor as they look to secure the signing.

Reports suggest that Leverkusen would demand a hefty transfer fee, with estimates indicating that they could seek around £100 million ($128m) for Wirtz. This price tag reflects the immense talent and potential that Wirtz possesses, and it’s likely that any suitor will need to meet these demands if they wish to secure his services. However, the large transfer fee hasn’t deterred interest from other clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. Both clubs are believed to be monitoring Wirtz’s situation closely, with Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player, being tipped to play a crucial role in Madrid’s pursuit of the midfielder, should Alonso take over as manager at the Santiago Bernabéu.

At present, Wirtz is sidelined with a ligament injury that he sustained during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash with Werder Bremen. The injury is expected to keep him out for some time, but despite this setback, Wirtz’s long-term value remains undiminished. His performances prior to the injury have only added to his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. As a result, Wirtz is expected to be one of the marquee names in the upcoming transfer window, and the battle for his signature is likely to intensify as the summer approaches.