Manchester City is set to compete with Real Madrid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who is being dubbed the ‘next Kevin De Bruyne,’ with a price tag of £85 million, according to reports.

Manchester City and Real Madrid Set for Champions League Clash Amid Transfer Rivalry

Manchester City are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter with Real Madrid at the iconic Bernabeu this Wednesday, a match that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. However, the battle between these two European giants extends beyond the pitch, as both clubs are reportedly vying for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to reports from The Sun and the Daily Mail.

Wirtz, who is seen as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne at City, may find it challenging to resist the allure of a move to Madrid, who are also keen on the talented German. The Sun has suggested that the 21-year-old is inclined towards a switch to the Spanish capital when he eventually leaves Germany.

With an impressive tally of 27 goals and assists this season for Xabi Alonso’s side, Wirtz has certainly made a name for himself. Leverkusen are eager to secure his future with a new contract, but the decision may hinge on his current manager, who is reportedly in the running to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid.

Tottenham Eyeing £80m Gittens

In other transfer news, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a summer move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The 20-year-old has long been on Spurs’ radar, but it could take a staggering £80 million to lure him away from the Bundesliga outfit.

However, Spurs are not alone in their pursuit of the Manchester City academy product. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also said to be monitoring Gittens’ situation closely.

The Sun notes that Gittens has netted 16 goals in 91 appearances for Dortmund, including a cameo in last season’s Champions League final against Real Madrid. This season, he has established himself as a first-team regular, scoring 11 goals in 33 outings. However, he has hit a dry spell, failing to score in his last eight matches as Dortmund have slipped to 11th in the Bundesliga, winning just one of their last seven league games. Despite their struggles domestically, Dortmund remain in the Champions League, holding a commanding 3-0 lead going into their play-off second leg against Sporting Lisbon.

Obi’s Move from Arsenal to Manchester United Justified

Chido Obi’s Premier League debut for Manchester United on Sunday has provided a glimpse into why he made the switch from Arsenal. The 17-year-old may have only played three minutes in the defeat to Tottenham, but it marks a significant step towards realizing his considerable potential.

Obi departed Arsenal last October at the age of 16, amid concerns regarding his pathway to the first team under Mikel Arteta. The Telegraph reports that Arsenal had proposed a plan for Obi to transition from the under-18s to the under-21s this season, with opportunities for first-team training. However, the young forward was eager to progress more rapidly, having already showcased his talent at the under-18 level, where he scored an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 matches last season.

Arsenal’s frustration over his departure is likely compounded by his continued success since joining United. After signing in October, Obi made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick within 15 minutes of his debut for the under-18s. He has also netted seven goals in three FA Youth Cup matches this season, further solidifying his decision to move to Old Trafford.