Bayer Leverkusen protege Florian Wirtz is back on the radar of Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to a report.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in European football over the past couple of years after bursting onto the Bundesliga scene.
A stellar 2021-22 season for Wirtz saw the Germany international produce seven goals and 10 assists in 24 top-flight matches, helping Leverkusen qualify for the Champions League.
Injury then cruelly struck for Wirtz, who has missed a large chunk of the current campaign with a cruciate ligament rupture, making just eight appearances in all competitions since recovering.
However, the teenager has hit the ground running since making his comeback, and he played a crucial part in both legs of Leverkusen's dramatic Europa League knockout round playoff win over Monaco.
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Wirtz came up with two goals and one assist over the two legs as Leverkusen and Monaco drew 5-5 on aggregate, before Xabi Alonso's side advanced on penalties.
Having quickly rediscovered his old form since battling back from his serious injury, the playmaker is once again being linked with moves to several top European clubs.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona and Real Madrid have now reignited their interest in Wirtz, whose contract situation means that Leverkusen can afford to drive a hard bargain in negotiations.
The teenager signed a new deal at Leverkusen until 2027 last year, which already lessens Barcelona's hopes of a big-money deal amid their ongoing economic concerns.
Blaugrana head coach Xavi is understood to have earmarked Wirtz as the ideal player to compete with Pedri and Gavi, but several players will need to be sold before they can cough up a fee.
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On the other hand, Real Madrid would have no such concerns on the financial front and are willing to pay an extortionate fee if Wirtz continues to perform in the same vein.
Blancos president Florentino Perez is even said to have made Wirtz's signing a bigger priority than a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, who could cost in the region of £130m.
Both of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos could depart Real Madrid as free agents this summer, although the former has announced his desire to sign a new short-term deal at the Bernabeu.
Wirtz spent 10 years in FC Koln's academy before joining Leverkusen in 2020, and he has since amassed 21 goals and 26 assists in 86 matches for Alonso's side in all tournaments.
The 2003-born midfielder has two assists to show from his four caps for Germany, but his injury prevented him from making the Mannschaft squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Ben Knapton
