Is Manchester City’s move for Florian Wirtz more advanced than originally thought? | OneFootball

It now appears that Manchester City’s move to sign Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz has stepped up a gear. Christian Falk revealed for CF Bayern Insider late last night that Wirtz and his parents met with Manchester City officials yesterday. That revelation came after Falk’s original report that emerged late last week that Wirtz was intent on joining Bayern Munich. But something about that story always felt off. For one, how could Manchester City hijack a move that wasn’t already agreed? And two, Wirtz is yet to make a decision on his future, as revealed by SPORT BILD yesterday.

But after yesterday’s news, there is a question that needs to be asked: Is Manchester City’s move for Florian Wirtz more advanced than originally thought?

Manchester City’s move for Florian Wirtz may be taking shape.

Manchester City are clearly negotiating with Florian Wirtz and his parents. They wouldn’t travel to Manchester for a coffee or the weather. That much is obvious. How advanced those negotiations are remains to be seen. But a report from Fabrizio Romano, which was relayed by Bavarian Football Works, could be telling. Romano has reported that Florian Wirtz’s parents know that Bayer Leverkusen have an excellent relationship with Manchester City. Furthermore, Romano reports that the two clubs could be willing to negotiate a deal that sees Manchester City’s young players go to Bayer Leverkusen. Romano names James McAtee as one such player. Lastly, Romano adds that the race to sign Florian Wirtz remains wide open.

Perhaps Manchester City are closer to a deal for Wirtz than originally thought.

Simon Mullock has reported for the Mirror in April that Bayer Leverkusen officials met with Manchester City officials. The purpose of the meeting was for Leverkusen to gauge the possibility of signing Stefan Ortega and James McAtee. Mullock adds. Furthermore, Bayer Leverkusen officials were also made aware of City’s intention to try and sign Florian Wirtz this summer as per Mullock’s report.

But joining the dots or attempting to anyway, it seems that Manchester City may be progressing in their bid to sign Florian Wirtz. It’s clear that something is close. Is it that a decision from Wirtz on his future is close, or did the German international meet with City officials yesterday for something more? That’s unclear at this stage. But what is apparent is that Manchester City are pressing ahead in their bid to sign to biggest prize available in the summer transfer market.

But perhaps the most revealing information in the race to sign Florian Wirtz is this. Sacha Tavolieri reported for Sky Sports that Bayern Munich were attempting to price Manchester City out of the race to sign Wirtz. Tavolieri added that Bayern were placing pressure on Leverkusen to sell Wirtz through the German media. That does pose a question: Was this tactic employed by Bayern Munich out of desperation? Is their primary transfer target slipping away? It’s a legitimate question after yesterday’s news. The answer isn’t immediately apparent, but perhaps Manchester City’s move for Florian Wirtz is coming together, and it’s a proposal that Bayern Munich cannot match. Maybe that is what’s unfolding in the race to sign Wirtz.