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While Hargreaves believes Mikel Arteta would “love him” at Arsenal, he argues that Wirtz’s talent and versatility make him an ideal candidate for a move to either City or Madrid.

Wirtz has been on the rise since recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that kept him out of Leverkusen’s Champions League campaign two years ago.

The German international was sensational in Leverkusen’s 4-0 win against Feyenoord in their opening group stage match of this season’s Champions League.

Scoring twice in the first half and being named Player of the Match, Wirtz’s performance reinforced his growing reputation across Europe.

Hargreaves, speaking to TNT Sport, emphasised Wirtz’s exceptional talent: “I mean, he’s a brilliant young player in terms of goals and assists, his numbers last season were crazy. For a young kid, he’s producing for Germany and Leverkusen.”

Despite Arsenal’s interest, Hargreaves believes a move to Manchester City or Real Madrid is more likely.

“He’s not a centre forward, but you think about Toni [Kroos] leaving Real Madrid, I think Wirtz could go in and learn that role. He’s so smart, and he makes every team better,” Hargreaves explained. “I’m sure Mikel would love him at Arsenal too, but if I was him, it’s either City or Real.”

Wirtz has made 158 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 46 goals, and played a pivotal role last season as the club clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title under manager Xabi Alonso.

His remarkable 38 goal involvements in 49 games were crucial to Leverkusen’s success, and he has also established himself in the German national team, scoring four goals in 25 appearances.