Arsenal are ‘keeping an eye’ on ‘generational talent’ who is available for transfer this summer

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Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Florian Wirtz, who is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.

Wirtz is enjoying another outstanding season for Leverkusen, netting nine goals and providing ten assists in just 20 Bundesliga starts.

This form, combined with his performances in the last few seasons in Germany, has inevitably sparked interest from top clubs throughout Europe, including the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

City are one of the frontrunners for Wirtz, with the creative midfielder viewed as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, although Arsenal are also in contention to sign the player.

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Arsenal are ‘keeping an eye’ on Florian Wirtz

Arsenal sold Emile Smith Rowe this summer, while they also allowed Fabio Vieira to join Porto on loan for the duration of the season.

This has arguably left a paucity of creative options in the Gunners’ midfield, with the burden being placed solely on Martin Odegaard.

Mikel Arteta is keen to rectify this issue this summer, and Wirtz may be the answer.

TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that while City and Bayern are the favourites, Arsenal are ‘on the fringes’ in the Wirtz race.

“I asked why the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid weren’t really in the conversation [for Wirtz],” he said.

“I’m told they are on the fringes. If it becomes apparent that Wirtz is going to leave Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern and City are favourites.

“But there is interest from elsewhere. I think it’s one that, Arsenal are keeping an eye on the situation. The chance to get a generational talent like that, someone who Arsenal would look at and think he can play off the left, never say never.

“When a player like that becomes available, I wouldn’t rule out the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid challenging Man City and Bayern for him.

“Why wouldn’t they? He really is a generational talent. He’s up there with the Bellinghams and Gavis off this world. So if that does come to pass, let’s see what happens with it.”

How would Florian Wirtz fit in at Arsenal?

Wirtz is predominantly used as a number ten by Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, while for Germany he’s often deployed as a wide creator by Julian Nagelsmann.

Arteta obviously doesn’t use a number ten, although Wirtz could slot perfectly into either the left eight role or the left-wing role at Arsenal.

If Declan Rice becomes the Gunners’ number six in the long term, there is a spot open for someone to take at left eight, while Gabriel Martinelli’s position as the primary left-winger isn’t secure.

An exceptional passer, an effective dribbler and a goal threat, Wirtz has every string to his bow that you could hope for.

A team consisting of an in-form Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, a new number nine and Wirtz is certainly a mouth-watering proposition for Arsenal fans to be excited about.