Manchester City already have a number of transfer targets to work on.
Hugo Viana – the new Director of Football at the Etihad Stadium – is monitoring several players after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.
Manchester City are keen on Porto glovesman Diogo Costa amid doubts over the future of Ederson, while the Citizens also want Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan after his excellent season, scoring 15 goals from central midfield.
However, the primary target is Florian Wirtz, and there has now been a very intriguing update on the German which favours Manchester City.
Manchester City told they can sign Florian Wirtz for £42m less than Bayern Munich
Sky Sports now state that Bayer Leverkusen are effectively giving Manchester City a £42m discount on the Germany international in comparison to Bayern Munich.
Vincent Kompany’s side are directly challenging Manchester City for the signing of Wirtz – who Pep Guardiola is desperate for – and have already found a verbal agreement with his representatives, as well as his parents.
However, having already seen Xabi Alonso announce his departure – the Spaniard is heading to Real Madrid – Bayer Leverkusen are eager not to sell the attacking midfielder to a direct Bundesliga rival.
As a result, Bayer Leverkusen are demanding a sum of €150m (£126m) from Bayern Munich, but are happy to accept €100m (£84m) from Manchester City if it means Wirtz leaves the Bundesliga.
Interestingly, Sky Sports add that Alonso has not given up hope of bringing the 22-year-old to Real Madrid with him, adding another dimension to this transfer saga.
Manchester City might lose out on the salary battle
The Citizens can afford to offer Wirtz a premium salary, but conditions in place at the Etihad Stadium are allowing Bayern Munich to make the best offer as things stand.
Sky Sports mention that Manchester City refrain from offering anybody a wage above Guardiola, believing no player should earn more than the manager.
In contrast, Bayern Munich are offering Wirtz an annual salary of €25m (£21m).
Ultimately, even if the German wonderkid agrees personal terms with Bayern Munich, Kompany’s side still need to agree a fee with Bayer Leverkusen, which is where Manchester City could edge ahead given the unwillingness to sell to a direct rival.
