**Arsenal's Florian Wirtz Interest Revealed by Former Scout**

**Exclusive: Ex-Arsenal scout reveals club's long-standing interest in Bayer Leverkusen star**

**Florian Wirtz has been on Arsenal's radar since his time at FC Köln**

Former Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao has revealed the club's long-standing interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. Wirtz, 19, has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe and has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for some time.

Cagigao, who worked for Arsenal for 24 years, told ESPN that the club have been tracking Wirtz's progress since he was a teenager at FC Köln.

"We were aware of Florian when he was at Köln," Cagigao said. "He was a very talented player then and he has only got better since moving to Leverkusen.

"He is a very creative player who can play in a number of positions. He has good vision, passing ability and he can score goals. He is also a very good dribbler and he is very good at taking on players.

"He is still only 19 years old, so he has a lot of potential. I think he could be a very good signing for Arsenal."

Wirtz has been in impressive form for Leverkusen this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions. He has also been capped by Germany at senior level.

Arsenal are in need of a creative midfielder and Wirtz would be a welcome addition to Mikel Arteta's squad. However, Leverkusen are unlikely to sell their prized asset on the cheap.