Chelsea handed Florian Wirtz transfer boost

Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has confirmed that star midfielder and CHELSEA target Florian Wirtz is yet to sign a new contract amid interest from several top European clubs.

Over the past few seasons at Leverkusen, Wirtz has become one of the most creative midfielders in Europe and a player that all the big clubs are reportedly ready to pay over £100 million in order to try and get a transfer deal done.

Now, Speaking to Florian Plettemberg, Carro has given chasing clubs a boost in a bid to get the player signed up by admitting that he has yet to agree a new contract at the club, he said: “Our wish is for Florian to play for us as long as possible. It would be great if he stays even until the 2026 World Cup, meaning through next season.

‘The likelihood of that happening is obviously higher with a contract extension. Therefore, we’d very much like to extend his contract.”

However – amid all the speculation and the rumours, Lothar Matthaus recently opened up and warned the German star that a move away to one of the big clubs does not need to happen at this stage – He told Sky Sport Germany: “If I were Florian Wirtz, I would stay in Leverkusen until the 2026 World Cup. So if he were to extend his contract, that would make perfect sense to me. Making a big move always brings with it a lot of fuss that doesn’t go unnoticed.

‘At Bayer, Wirtz is in his familiar, protected environment and could prepare himself perfectly for the World Cup. At Real Madrid, Manchester City & Co. there is a different media world and the pressure is increasing, while at Bayer he is protected even when he is not playing so well. Kylian Mbappe is the best example, who as the king of Paris has somewhat faded away in Madrid over the last six months.

“In addition, Wirtz has a club in Leverkusen that is one of the top 10 in Europe and can beat any team.

‘I think that the Bundesliga is often underplayed, especially in our country. It also has its appeal and there are now possibly three teams in the direct [Champions League] round of 16.

‘The Bundesliga is stronger than it is often said to be and so Wirtz does not necessarily have to change in order to be able to play at a higher level.”

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