Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz only has eyes on a move to Bayern Munich despite interest from a host of clubs outside Germany, according to reports.
Wirtz has enjoyed another impressive season in Xabi Alonso’s side, notching up 10 goals and 12 assists in 29 Bundesliga games.
Despite heavy interest in the 22-year-old’s signature last summer, Wirtz opted to stay at Leverkusen this year to play in the Champions League.
But interest is likely to return in the summer, with a host of European clubs eager to secure his signature.
From the Premier League, Arsenal were credited with interest in the German international, while Manchester City were also keen as they look to replace the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne.
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Spanish giants Real Madrid were also interested in Wirtz who still has a contract with Leverkusen until 2027.
However, reports from German outlet Bild suggest that Wirtz is ready to spurn all interest from clubs abroad and is keen on a move to Bayern.
The report adds that Wirtz does not consider City ‘a serious option’ at this stage of his career, although he may look to move abroad in the future.
Such news undoubtedly puts Bayern in the driving seat to complete a deal for Wirtz shortly after they were crowned league champions last weekend.
Speaking earlier in the season, Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted that the club would go after Wirtz in the summer, even if negotations could prove tricky with their rival club.
‘[Uli] Hoeness [Bayern’s honorary president] said that Wirtz is his dream – and that was putting it politely,’ Rummenigge told AZ.
‘Everyone at FC Bayern agrees that he is exactly the player we want to sign. Not to weaken Leverkusen, but to strengthen us. Wirtz is the best player in Germany.
‘It’s not the market value that’s important, but the amount that would ultimately have to be paid in a transfer. That will undoubtedly be difficult because Wirtz is a very sought-after player.’
Leverkusen, meanwhile, may have to prepare themselves for more turmoil in the summer, with Alonso heavily linked with the soon-to-be-vacant Real post.
The Spaniard spent six seasons in Madrid as a player, but said no decision had been made about his future.
‘I respect what happens in other clubs,’ the Bayer Leverkusen coach said last week. ‘It’s not a situation that I need to talk about.
‘I know that they’re at a stage in the season in which they’re still fighting for the championship, and we also have our goals. The season isn’t over, so we must wait.’
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