Star forward ‘open to move’ as Man City readying transfer approach for Riyad Mahrez replacement | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz in action for Germany

Manchester City are reportedly considering an approach for Florian Wirtz, who is ‘open to a move’ and Bayer Leverkusen ‘are willing to sell if the right price is offered’.

City rarely make a misstep in transfer windows. It’s hard to think of a signing who hasn’t particularly worked out at the Etihad since Pep Guardiola’s been in the job.

As such, the hunt for Riyad Mahrez’s replacement will be one they’re expecting to nail. Indeed, the star winger recently upped sticks to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for a mammoth wage.

City have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen youngster Wirtz as the ideal replacement. That’s as per Football Transfers, who state he’s ‘on the list of targets’ driven by Guardiola’s admiration of the 20-year-old’s ‘technical ability and potential’.

The manager signed the likes of Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan at City, so it seems a safe bet that Wirtz will come off if he’s recruited, after directly contributing to 12 goals last season.

The report also suggests Wirtz is ‘open to a move’. While Leverkusen are willing to sell him ‘if the right price is offered’, it’s suggested the deal might be inflated from his market price.

That’s due to the fact Moussa Diaby has already left the club this summer, while Edmond Tapsoba could soon join Tottenham, and Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong’s respective futures are up in the air.

City made £30million from selling Mahrez, though they might well have to part with more than that if they want to ensure Wirtz becomes their player this summer.

In any case, if he’s to have a similar impact to what the Algerian had on the side, the Citizens likely won’t be too bothered with spending a decent sum to land him.

Whether or not the imminent signing of Josko Gvardiol has any bearing on that potential transfer remains to be seen, though. The Croatian centre-back is apparently the subject of an agreement between City and RB Leipzig.

It’s reported that he’ll cost them £77million when the deal is eventually signed. As such, Guardiola’s side might not have an awful lot of money left over to use for other signings such as that of Wirtz afterwards.