Man City's blockbuster top transfer target for next summer proves Pep Guardiola still has unfinished business

Manchester City are making "the strongest effort" to sign one of Europe's most wanted players but they face stiff competition from several clubs, including Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Arsenal.

One of the biggest talking points in world football right now is the future of Pep Guardiola, who is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Spaniard says he will make a decision on his Manchester City future "as soon as possible" but admits there is in no rush to decide as director of football Txiki Begiristain looks set to leave at the end of the campaign.

“I’m pretty sure the club had options when Txiki leaves and they have options when Pep will leave," he said. "Sooner or later it is going to happen and they are prepared so it’s not going to be a surprise."

Amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future, it looks like Guardiola has still got one eye on the future as City continue to be linked with a move for Germany international Florian Wirtz.

In fact, out of every club being linked with the German playmaker, City are showing the most serious interest and are making the strongest efforts to sign him, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are hoping to convince the 21-year-old to pen a new contract at the BayArena as his contract runs out in 2027.

But if push comes to shove and Wirtz wants to leave next summer, then Leverkusen are determined to sell him abroad and not to Bayern Munich, who have recognised the German playmaker as their top target.

According to above report, City's interest is the most concrete but fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen alongside La Liga giants Real Madrid.

A move to Los Blancos, however, has been deemed unrealistic.

Image credit: Getty

Guardiola is a big admirer of Wirtz. In fact, he is 'willing to do whatever it takes to bring him to the Etihad', according to reports in Spain, as quoted by Football365.

It appears City see Wirtz as the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Is he the right fit?

Let us know in the comments.