Arsenal ‘fully committed’ to signing £83m midfielder ahead of Manchester City

Arsenal have ramped up their interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to reports in Germany.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the Bundesliga having played a key role in Leverkusen’s league and cup double success last season.

Wirtz had been linked with several top clubs at the start of the summer but opted to remain with Leverkusen for their return to the Champions League this season.

According to Bild, Wirtz is expected to leave Leverkusen next summer with both Real Madrid and Manchester City pushing hard to sign the Germany international.

However, the German newspaper now reports that Arsenal are serious contenders after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from the race and claims Mikel Arteta’s side are ‘fully committed to the move’.

Leverkusen are said to be holding out for a €150 million (£124.8m) fee for Wirtz, however, clubs are hopeful that a deal can be struck closer to the €100m (£83.2m) mark.

Speaking earlier this year Leverkusen’s general director, Fernando Carro, made it clear that the club are desperate to keep hold of Wirtz.

‘I was mistaken in saying that Florian Wirtz’s price is around €150 million,’ Carro said.

‘In reality, he is priceless. Florian is not available for transfer.’

Wirtz has made another impressive start to the season with six goals in five games for Leverkusen so far.

Last week, he was named Player of the Match after scoring twice in Leverkusen’s 4-0 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League.

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