Manchester City have reportedly struck a ‘verbal agreement’ with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer of German star Florian Wirtz, with the player flying into England for face-to-face discussions amid intensifying competition from Bayern Munich.

Wirtz’s future is set to be one of the key narratives in the early weeks of the summer transfer window, following a sensational season at Leverkusen. His standout performances have attracted the attention of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who has agreed to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is hopeful of taking Wirtz with him to the Spanish capital. However, according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Real currently trail City and Bayern in the race, given Alonso’s limited influence over transfer activity at Madrid.

A fierce tug-of-war has emerged between City and Bayern for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. Bayern are said to have reached an agreement over a five-year contract with Wirtz’s camp, but Leverkusen are reluctant to sell to a direct domestic rival.

This has opened the door for City, who are believed to have entered ‘advanced talks’ with Leverkusen and agreed a verbal deal over the potential transfer fee. Leverkusen reportedly favour selling abroad, giving City the edge in negotiations.

While Bayern prepare to table an opening offer in the region of €100 million (£84m), it is unlikely to meet Leverkusen’s valuation. The Bundesliga champions are holding out for a fee closer to €150 million (£126m), a figure City are reportedly more willing to approach.

According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Wirtz and his representatives flew into England on Tuesday for direct discussions with Manchester City officials. Pep Guardiola is said to have identified Wirtz as the ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne and has personally spoken with the player.

City vs Bayern: The Race for Wirtz Intensifies

Although Bayern remain keen, they are reportedly prepared to wait until summer 2026 if Leverkusen refuse to budge on their valuation. However, this could backfire, with City looking increasingly likely to secure the player’s signature.

Wirtz has yet to make a final decision regarding his future. While his family are reportedly in favour of a move to Bayern, the player himself is intrigued by the prospect of playing abroad, with City and Real Madrid both considered attractive options.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that should City miss out on Wirtz, they will turn their attention to Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. City are said to be frustrated by the current shortage of top-tier No 10s on the market.

Although they admire Bayern’s Jamal Musiala, City are aware of the near-impossible task of convincing the German giants to sell.

Bayern’s agreement with Wirtz on personal terms was made public last Saturday, but Manchester City are prepared to battle to the end in their pursuit of bringing one of Europe’s brightest young talents to the Premier League.