Liverpool appears to be the frontrunner to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich no longer leading the race.
It is understood that the Reds have made initial contact with Leverkusen for the 22-year-old. Arne Slot promised that Liverpool would be active in the market after winning the Premier League title and it appears that the Reds are making some mega moves. Jeremie Frimpong is also of interest, while Milos Kerkez is another to have been widely reported as a target at left-back.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. There is the latest on Wirtz plus an update on a player who Slot supposedly likes, but Arsenal has moved first for.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Liverpool has moved into pole position to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer, edging ahead of Bayern Munich in the race. The Bundesliga champion had initially been considered the favorite.
Wirtz, according to Sacha Tovalieri, is “one step away” from joining Liverpool. According to The Athletic, Wirtz has already looked at houses in the North West, though a club-record fee still needs to be agreed between the Reds and Bayer Leverkusen.
Arne Slot has had a conversation with Wirtz, according to the German outlet Kicker, with that said to be influential in his decision to move towards Liverpool over Bayern Munich. However, it is still possible that he stays at Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool.com understands that initial contact has been made for the player.
Liverpool.com says: If the Reds can pull this off, it will be a remarkable move. Wirtz is one of the best players in the world and his signature will require a colossal transfer fee, so it would be a major statement of intent.
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Arsenal has made contact to explore a move for the RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to Sky Germany. The 21-year-old Slovenian has also been linked with a move to Liverpool this week.
The Gunners are in need of some fresh attacking energy with Mikel Arteta under pressure to deliver a trophy next season.
There will be at least a nine-point gap between Liverpool and Arsenal in the final Premier League standings and it is in the final third where Arsenal has fallen short.
Liverpool.com says: Sesko is a big talent (literally; he’s about two meters tall!) but he isn’t the finished product. Arsenal would need to develop him and hope he quickly fulfills his potentia.
