Arsenal handed MAJOR update as Florian Wirtz race heats up

Cameron Smith

Updated: 25 Feb 2025 11:28 CST
3 min read

Bayern Munich have reportedly expressed their interest in signing Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler after admitting defeat in the race for Florian Wirtz’s signature.

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Wirtz, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to the Allianz Arena for the past few years, but he is also being courted by the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City, with the latter hoping to sign him as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

Furthermore, Wirtz is aiming to secure a move to Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, and Bayern have therefore turned their attention to finalising a deal for Guler, according to Fichajes.

Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry have all been tipped to leave Bavaria during the 2025 summer transfer window, and Bayern are eyeing an ambitious move for Guler in their bid to bring attacking reinforcements to the club.

The Turkey international has only racked up 967 minutes of action so far this season and he has been rewarded with just six La Liga starts amid significant competition for places at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are interested in re-signing Nico Paz following his immense form at Como and they could be forced to offload Guler if the talented Argentine returns this summer.

Arsenal and Liverpool are both long-term admirers of Guler, although Bayern have now joined the race to sign the 20-year-old and he could reportedly be available for a fee of around €50 million.

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Florian Wirtz to Man City?

While Arsenal could intensify their pursuit of Guler amid reports that Real Madrid may be tempted into a sale this summer, they are unlikely to sign Wirtz as he yearns for a transfer to Man City, according to Fichajes.

If Guardiola’s men are able to agree a deal with Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz is expected to succeed De Bruyne as Man City’s main creative outlet.