Bayern Munich could reportedly attempt to use Bayer Leverkusen's interest in Paul Wanner in order to win the race for the in-demand Florian Wirtz during next summer's transfer window.
Wirtz's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the 21-year-old widely expected to leave Leverkusen in 2025.
The forward has again been in strong form for the Bundesliga champions this season, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in 16 appearances in all competitions, including three goals in four Champions League matches.
A whole host of major clubs are said to be interested in the Germany international, with Manchester City and Real Madrid both believed to be determined to sign him next year.
Bayern are also being heavily linked with his services, though, and according to journalist Christian Falk, a swap deal could be on the cards, as Leverkusen have a firm interest in the Munich outfit's youngster Wanner.
![Germany's Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring their first goal on June 14, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/24/florian-wirtz_1.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Germany's Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring their first goal on June 14, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Bayern 'could use Wanner in swap deal for Wirtz'
Wanner is currently on loan from Bayern at Heidenheim, and he has made 14 appearances for the club during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring five times and registering two assists in the process.
Bayern could allegedly use Leverkusen's interest in Wanner to move themselves to the head of the queue, although RB Leipzig are also believed to be in the picture to sign the Munich club's youngster.
Wanner has another three years left to run on his contract at Allianz Arena, and Vincent Kompany's side are believed to be willing to let the teenager leave if it means that they can win the race for Wirtz.
However, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leverkusen would prefer to sell Wirtz to either Real Madrid or Man City if he were to leave, with the club determined to prevent him from joining their Bundesliga rivals.
© Imago
Why is Wirtz so highly-rated?
Leverkusen are believed to value Wirtz in the region of €150m (£126.3m), and one thing is for certain, it will take a mega-money offer for him to leave BayArena during next summer's transfer window.
The German was outstanding during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions, helping his side to win the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup.
Wirtz has managed 48 goals and 51 assists in 168 appearances for the Black and Reds in all competitions, and he is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in world football.
Leverkusen could therefore have a difficult decision to make next summer, and securing a player of Wanner's potential in return could mean that they agree to allow Wirtz to make the switch to Allianz Arena.
Matt Law
