Fabrizio Romano suggests Chelsea may now have to wait until 2025 to sign £87m player

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There is no guarantee that Chelsea will be able to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2024.

Chelsea are one club who are currently being linked with Florian Wirtz. Last month, TEAMtalk reported that the Blues were interested in the attacking midfielder and that he could cost £87.2m.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed on his YouTube channel that there is a possibility that Wirtz remains at Leverkusen until 2025.

The 20-year-old has really impressed this season, coming up with eight goal contributions in 13 Bundesliga appearances.

If Chelsea want to sign him, they could face competition from at least one of their Premier League rivals.

Fabrizio Romano gives update on Florian Wirtz’s future

Romano says the earliest Wirtz is likely to move is in the second half of the summer transfer window, while a switch in 2025 cannot be ruled out.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist said: “There is a chance to leave in 2025 for sure.

“From what I’m hearing, the idea is to play the Euros with no involvement in transfer stories, so for Florian to stay at Bayer Leverkusen in January, same at the beginning of the summer transfer window, focus on the Euros and then let’s see in the second part of the summer transfer window or directly in 2025.”

Florian Wirtz injury

Wirtz had to be taken off in Leverkusen’s 3-1 win against Paderborn in the German Cup yesterday because of an ankle injury.

The German has been such an important player for them this season, so Xabi Alonso will be hoping that it is not too serious.

Whether it is or not, it looks like Wirtz will be staying at the BayArena in January. If Chelsea are keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge, it seems that they are going to have to wait until next summer or possibly even 2025.

The Germany international probably does not have to be a priority for them right now anyway.

What Chelsea need to focus on is landing a new No.9. They were once again not clinical enough in front goal last night, losing 2-1 to Manchester United. Had they had a world-class centre-forward on the pitch, they perhaps would have taken more of their opportunities.