James McAtee and Stefan Ortega of Manchester City are targets for Bayer Leverkusen, who will use their interest as leverage in their own pursuit of Florian Wirtz, the top summer target.
The Bundesliga team’s representatives paid a scheduled visit to the Etihad Campus throughout the week, and they discussed with City the possibility of sending McAtee and Ortega to Germany. At the right price, City will sell.
Although McAtee is a huge admirer, Pep Guardiola hasn’t been able to provide the 22-year-old with enough playing time. If the Germans can come up with £25 million, the champions will cash in after turning down a proposal from Leverkusen in January.
During Saturday’s 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, McAtee made a rare Premier League debut. Ederson’s excellent assist set up the former Sheffield United loanee to score the fourth goal.
McAtee remarked, “He can kick it dead far,” after considering his teammate’s pass. He had a fantastic pass, so I simply tried to block the goal when I noticed the defense was high up.
Wirtz transfer interest as Leverkusen eye two players in exchange
According to Leverkusen, City wants to replace Kevin De Bruyne with Wirtz, a midfield player valued at £100 million, in Manchester. Even if Leverkusen would prefer that the 21-year-old depart Germany, City still faces competition from Bayern Munich.
In order to incorporate a £125 million buyout clause into the contract, they are still hoping to convince Wirtz to sign a one-year extension until 2027. However, Leverkusen has an advantage in talks because they are interested in adding McAtee and Ortega to Xabi Alonso’s team.
According to Bild, Ortega might be acquired by Leverkusen for about €8 million (£6.7 million). But the Bundesliga winners are also considering other goalkeepers, such as Joan Garcia of Espanyol, who is regarded as their “dream acquisition.” Although Leverkusen may have an edge in the competition to sign Garcia due to their offer of first-team play, Arsenal is also interested in him.
