FC Barcelona in Check: The Factor Bringing Wirtz Closer to Manchester City

The bidding for Florian Wirtz is at a 'boiling point'. The 21-year-old forward, who has scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 36 matches (2,740 minutes) this season, is one of the most coveted pieces in the transfer market, where teams like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have shown interest in acquiring one of the greatest talents in the football world.

However, despite the insistence of these major clubs to secure the German's signing, it would be Manchester City that has the lead in the race. The 'skyblues' are preparing for the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract ends at the end of the season and all signs point to him not renewing his commitment, and they believe that the attacking midfielder would be the ideal replacement for the team.

From the Etihad Stadium, they are aware of the difficulty of the operation, as Bayer Leverkusen hopes to retain him for at least one more season and has set his transfer fee at over 130 million euros, but they are willing to make a significant effort to seal the deal. Despite this, considering the substantial spending made in the last winter window, the Mancunians are exploring ways to lower the player's price and already have a plan in mind.

The Key for City to Lower Wirtz's Price

According to the 'Daily Mail', the team managed by Pep Guardiola has a player in their ranks who generates a lot of interest at the BayArena. This is James McAtee, a 22-year-old midfielder who has gained more prominence in the first team this season and has emerged as one of the great 'pearls' of English football.

The player, who currently has a secondary role in the Sampedor's scheme, is seen as a more than attractive alternative to replace the possible departure of Wirtz at Leverkusen, which is why the aspirins would accept the inclusion of the player in the operation for the German to lower their demands and bring the deal to a successful conclusion. For now, nothing is concrete, but the 'citizens' are beginning to gain an advantage in the race and the options for Barça are becoming increasingly remote.