Florian Wirtz to Bayern? Leverkusen counters rumors – Manchester City also in the race

Leverkusen/Munich. Bayer Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Carro has denied reports of an alleged agreement between national team player Florian Wirtz and FC Bayern Munich. "I know it's not true, and it's annoying when you read reports that aren't true," Carro told RTL/ntv on Tuesday.

Bayer has a trusting relationship with Wirtz and his parents. "Of course, Florian has to think about his future, but at least we are not aware – and I can assume that this is correct – that anything has been decided in his favor," Carro said.

The "Bild" newspaper had previously reported that the 22-year-old had already reached an agreement with FC Bayern Munich. The German record champions are reportedly willing to offer a transfer fee of €100 million this summer. If that isn't enough, Wirtz, whose contract with Leverkusen runs until 2027, would wait until 2026.

The Bayer Group is said to have approved a Wirtz transfer in principle to Leverkusen's managing director. However, the prerequisite is apparently that a club pays €150 million for Wirtz.

Man City coach Pep Guardiola is also said to have his eye on Wirtz.

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"Bayern Munich can make an offer at any time, and then we'll have to deal with it, but at the moment we don't have an offer from any club," Carro said. Sport Bild had previously reported that top English club Manchester City, led by coach Pep Guardiola, had also entered the poker game.

City have made Leverkusen a concrete offer. According to the report, Guardiola has already spoken with Wirtz several times. He wants to make the German international his attacking boss, succeeding Kevin De Bruyne. Bild further reported that Wirtz traveled to Manchester with his parents on Tuesday and returned that evening. His father did not comment upon his return.

Leverkusen are currently also looking for a successor to successful coach Xabi Alonso, who is expected to leave last year's double winner for Real Madrid.

"We would of course be happy if we were able to decide and announce this this month," Carro said. "Because we obviously have to put together a squad during the transfer window, and it's much easier to do that together with a coach. So, the coaching decision is perhaps the first piece of the puzzle before we make the squad decisions."

RND/dpa