‘Next Toni Kroos’ tipped to form Arsenal dream midfield with Declan Rice but there’s a catch

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has been tentatively tipped to form the perfect midfield partnership at Arsenal with Declan Rice.

The German talent Wirtz has attracted top suitors from across the continent after being one of the standout stars for Leverkusen’s invincible Bundesliga title-winning campaign last season. His Euro 2024 success on home soil has seen Manchester City and Real Madrid linked with a move for the young star.

Wirtz normally plays in the No.10 role, which is normally occupied by captain Martin Odegaard. But, former Bayern Munich star Owen Hargreaves has suggested Wirtz could drop further back as his career progresses – just like Toni Kroos did during his career.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves tipped the 21-year-old to land at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Arsenal named as one possibility, after an impressive performance on the European stage during Leverkusen’s 4-0 win over Feyenoord. “His numbers last season were crazy, I think it was 15+ goals and assists,” he said.

“For a young kid, he’s producing for Germany and for Bayer Leverkusen. He’s not a centre forward, you think about Toni Kroos leaving Real Madrid, I think he could go in and he could learn that role. Toni signed as a 10 and then he gradually went back, I think Florian could eventually be a controller of the game.

“If I was him, it’s Man City or Real Madrid. I’m sure Mikel Arteta would love him at Arsenal too. He’s that good he makes every team better. He is a 10 but I just think he’s so smart to play anywhere.

“I think everybody would build their team around him. He’s so smart he would think, I’m going to go there because that’s the best fit for me.”

Wirtz has already scored five goals in six games in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit.

Earlier this summer, Marca reported there were two agreements in place that pave the way for the 21-year-old to complete a switch from the BayArena to the Santiago Bernabeu in a year’s time despite being heavily linked with Manchester City.

The first agreement was said to be between the player, his representatives and his current club to sure ensure he remains with Leverkusen until the end of the current campaign. The second accord was also a verbal one with Real Madrid, of agreeing personal terms in order to complete the move to Spain next summer.

They claim the deal could reach as high as £127million (€150m). But it remains to be seen whether he will complete the move next summer.