Arsenal’s chances of securing a move for Florian Wirtz this summer have been dealt a significant blow following reports that Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is still on Bayer Leverkusen’s radar.
Wirtz, 21, has attracted interest from several top European clubs ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window, with Arsenal among the teams in contact with his representatives. However, the German talent is also wanted by Real Madrid and Manchester City, with the latter potentially offering McAtee as part of a swap deal.
The 22-year-old McAtee has only made 122 minutes of Premier League appearances this season, and Bayer Leverkusen remains keen on acquiring him later this year. The Bundesliga champions are preparing for the possible departure of Wirtz and have identified McAtee as a potential replacement.
While Manchester City could opt to sell McAtee to Leverkusen outright, they are also in the running to sign Wirtz themselves and may use their academy graduate in a player-plus-cash swap deal for the German international.
