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Liverpool are believed to be interested in Florian Wirtz (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool and Manchester City target Florian Wirtz has openly set his sights on outshining Arsenal's Kai Havertz, with the young star admitting he aims to surpass his compatriot in terms of talent and accolades.

The 22-year-old playmaker has reportedly met with Liverpool and City officials over a lucrative transfer this summer.

With Liverpool crowned Premier League champions for the second time in five years, their prospects of landing Wirtz could be on the up.



City, meanwhile, are looking to rebuild after an underwhelming season by their lofty standards.

Wirtz made history as Bayer Leverkusen's youngest player when he debuted at just 17 in May 2020, but had the daunting task of filling the void left by Havertz, who headed for the Premier League with Chelsea that year.

Talking to Sportbild back in 2021, Wirtz said: "It motivates me to be even better than Kai.

I've always been like this."

Wirtz's words no doubt reflect his winning mindset, which has seen him excel at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso and hint at the calibre of player Liverpool or City might be adding to their ranks.

Despite the friendly rivalry with Havertz, Wirtz acknowledged the influence Havertz had on his development, adding: "I watched [Havertz] in training; how he behaved in front of goal and moved in the space."

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Should a move to the Premier League materialise, Wirtz could have the chance to compete with Havertz and Arsenal next season.

Havertz's Arsenal have proven to be Liverpool and City's biggest challengers in the title race over the last few years, but Mikel Arteta's men have come off second best every time so far.

Wirtz has said he looks up to Arsenal star Kai Havertz(Image: Getty Images)

Havertz, who swapped Chelsea blue for Arsenal red in 2023 with a hefty £65million price tag attached, is still on the hunt for his first Premier League crown.

The German international, who departed Leverkusen with an impressive tally of 77 goal contributions in 150 appearances, has opened up about his early career pressures.

It's important to learn how to tune others out."

Nonetheless, Wirtz has truly come into his own at Leverkusen, even outshining Havertz with a stunning tally of 57 goals and 65 assists over 196 appearances for the club.

Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz have played together internationally(Image: Getty Images)

While Liverpool are celebrating, boss Arne Slot is already plotting ways to bolster the squad for forthcoming title defences and trophy pursuits next season.
For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.