rewrite this title Journalist “told” Arsenal could sign £112m attacker wanted by Real Madrid

Arsenal apparently stand a chance of signing a marquee attacking star wanted by Champions League rivals Real Madrid, with one reporter urging people not to rule Mikel Arteta’s side out in the race for his signature.

Arsenal face Real Madrid in blockbuster Champions League tie

This evening, Arteta faces one of the biggest games of his Arsenal career to date.

Real visit the Emirates Stadium tonight for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, which could make or break Arsenal’s season with nothing left to play for in the Premier League.

Los Blancos are undoubtedly Arsenal’s toughest possible test in the competition, and if they can somehow get past Carlo Ancelotti’s side, they’d surely be considered among the major favourites to win it.

While Arteta prepares his side for a vital game in north London, new sporting director Andrea Berta is working to ensure they won’t be so reliant on a good run in Europe next season.

Berta has a new attacker on his list of transfer priorities at Arsenal, with Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz apparently emerging as a target.

Arsenal could sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen

The Germany international is currently enjoying yet another sensational campaign in the Bundesliga after helping Xabi Alonso’s side make history with an unprecedented title triumph over Bayern Munich last season.

Wirtz has racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions throughout 2024/2025, leading to interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides, but Sky Germany have reported that he won’t be leaving Leverkusen for less than £112 million.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, Arsenal are contenders to sign Wirtz, despite serious competition from the likes of Real, Bayern Munich and Man City.

“A lot of people ask about Wirtz and why it seems it is only Bayern Munich and Man City that are pushing hard to sign him.

“It is true they are at the front of the queue, if he decides to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer and that ‘if’ remains the key – as we have reported in the last few weeks, we don’t know what he is thinking – does he sign a new deal and stay for another 12-months, or leave?

“Bayern have had a wonderful 2025 when it comes to their playing staff – their chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund have managed to seal new deals for Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala, when at the turn of the year – the future of all three looked in some doubt.

“They are working hard on this summer’s potential arrivals and the player at he top of their list is Wirtz – he is widely regarded as the best player for his age in Europe, he really is up there with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Gavi etc when it comes to talent.

“Man City love him, as we know, and they are doing everything they can to persuade.

“And whilst Bayern and City have done the most work to this point, I am told not to totally discount others, especially in just making an offer – if you are Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or even Real Madrid – who all like him – why wouldn’t you at least have the conversation?”