Arsenal also have their eyes on two masterstrokes against Liverpool in the form of beating them to the Premier League crown and stealing a march on their summer transfer plans. However, while Liverpool lead the Gunners by seven points, Mikel Arteta is not ready to throw in the towel. Even if the league table doesn’t suit them, Arsenal have one eye on a blockbuster summer move: assembling a band of Bundesliga sensation Writz straight off Jurgen Klopp’s nose.
Manchester City is also ready to compete for the 21-year-old German playmaker. However, Arsenal understand that acquiring Wirtz would be more than a successful transfer — it would be a psychological defeat for their rivals.
Writz: A Midfield Magician Worth Every Penny
Arsenal will have to dig deep into their pockets if Arsenal want to make a statement. Wirtz, in essence, is not just any midfielder, he is the Bundesliga’s golden boy with 18 goal contributions in 22 league games and another seven in the Champions League.
Of course, Leverkusen is not in the business of charity. And with their extension demands, they are pushing for Wirtz to sign a new contract not costing more than £104m, with a release clause high as a record £125m if he doesn’t. That’s more zeros than Arteta’s patience when his side misses an easy chance.
Liverpool would then have the upper hand, if they win the league, while City, spending lavishly in the market, might find it hard to justify another nine-figure signing. But Arsenal? If Arsenal manages a spectacular league comeback, Wirtz may decide that North London is where he wants to be.
Can Arsenal Afford him? The Transfer Budget Game
Arsenal and Liverpool stayed away from the January window, they kept their wallets shut. Which simply means they’re locked, loaded, and ready to splurge during summer.
Liverpool with their pulling power by history might be a threat for them. However, Arsenal has an ace up their sleeve; the promise of being the final piece needed to cause Arteta’s title bursting puzzle to burst. Suddenly Arsenal lifting the trophy in May makes the project irresistible.
Certainly, financial pragmatism is also a part of it. It’s not impossible that Arsenal will have to break their transfer record to sign Writz, but their growing commercial success and Champions League revenue make it easier. The bigger question is: Would Wirtz rather want to be a star on an exiting Arsenal squad or succumb to the allure of Liverpool’s European pedigree?
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