Manchester City, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly attempting to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Carlotta Wamser before the summer transfer window closes.
Last updated: 30 August 2026. According to Megan Feringa, Manchester City is closest to the deal. The medical is done.
German newspaper Bild reports that the four clubs have intensified their interest in the 22-year-old Germany international, raising the possibility of a late move away from Leverkusen.
No formal offer, agreement or preferred destination has been confirmed. Wamser remains a Bayer Leverkusen player and is under contract until 30 June 2027.
Transfer-rumour snapshot
- Player: Carlotta Wamser
- Age: 22
- Positions: Right-back, winger and central midfielder
- Current club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Reported interested clubs: Manchester City, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal
- Other summer interest: Bayern Munich
- Transfer status: Interest reported; no agreement confirmed
- Reported fee: Mid-six-figure range, according to Bild
- Contract expiry: 30 June 2027
- International team: Germany
- 2026/27 record: Featured in Leverkusen’s 2-0 opening win against RB Leipzig
Leverkusen face a late decision over Wamser
Leverkusen have resisted interest in Wamser throughout the summer. Bayern Munich were also reportedly considering a move, but the club rejected previous approaches and retained a player expected to play a central role during the new Bundesliga season.
The situation has become more complicated as the deadline approaches. With Carlotta Wamser entering the final year of her contract, Leverkusen must weigh her sporting importance against the risk of their negotiating position weakening if no extension is agreed.
Bild reports that a transfer could require a fee in the mid-six-figure range. That figure has not been confirmed by Leverkusen or any of the interested clubs and should be treated only as the German publication’s estimate of a possible deal.
The report does not identify a frontrunner among Manchester City, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal. It also does not state that Leverkusen have accepted an offer or opened formal negotiations with a specific club.
Why Wamser is attracting leading European clubs
Wamser’s value comes partly from her ability to perform in several positions. She is principally viewed as a right-back at international level but can also play as a winger or in midfield.
Leverkusen used her in central midfield during their 2-0 opening victory away to RB Leipzig and reportedly planned to retain her in that role for the match against Wolfsburg. Her capacity to cover the full right side while also operating centrally makes her particularly useful to clubs competing across domestic and European competitions.
The 22-year-old established herself as a senior Germany international during 2025. She made her debut in May and was then selected for the European Championship in Switzerland.
An injury to Germany captain Giulia Gwinn during the opening match created an opportunity at right-back. Carlotta Wamser stepped into the position and became one of Germany’s notable performers during the tournament, despite having developed primarily as an attacking player.
Bild credits Wamser with 14 senior international appearances. Her development from winger to versatile full-back has expanded both her tactical value and the number of clubs that could accommodate her.
Manchester City, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal interested
The four reported suitors would each offer Wamser Women’s Champions League football and a place within a squad expected to challenge for major trophies.
Manchester City are described by Bild as one of the clubs showing the strongest interest. A move would bring Wamser to the Women’s Super League for the first time and add another flexible wide player to the English champions’ squad.
Barcelona are also named after making substantial changes to their squad during the summer. Wamser’s ability to play in defence, midfield and attack would provide several possible routes into the European champions’ team.
Chelsea and Arsenal complete the reported list. Both London clubs have already been active in the market, but interest in Wamser suggests they may still be looking for another player capable of operating at full-back and higher up the pitch.
At this stage, those possible roles remain hypothetical. None of the four clubs have publicly confirmed an approach, and Bild does not report that Wamser has agreed personal terms with any of them.
Wamser’s route to Bayer Leverkusen
Carlotta Wamser began her senior career with SGS Essen before joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. She also spent part of the 2023/24 season on loan at FC Köln, gaining more regular Bundesliga minutes.
She moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 after her Frankfurt contract expired. Her first season with the club coincided with her breakthrough at senior international level and established her as one of Germany’s most versatile young players.
Leverkusen have already demonstrated their intention to build around her. Rejecting approaches earlier in the summer indicated that they valued her sporting contribution more highly than an immediate transfer.
Whether that position changes will depend on the strength of any late proposal and Wamser’s own plans. With the window close to shutting, the interested clubs have limited time to turn their interest into an agreement.
What happens next?
Three outcomes remain possible: Wamser could stay for the 2026/27 season, Leverkusen could agree a new contract, or one of the interested clubs could complete a late transfer.
The current report establishes significant interest but not an advanced deal. Until a club submits an acceptable offer and reaches an agreement with both Leverkusen and the player, Wamser should not be presented as being close to a particular destination.
Her selection for Leverkusen’s fixtures will provide one immediate indication of whether the situation is affecting the club’s plans. A completed move would require rapid progress before the relevant transfer deadline.
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