“All I can say is that he’s moving to England,” Wittmann told Germany’s Bild newspaper. It may take a while before a deal is announced, though, since the Brazil international is current representing his country at the Copa América.
However, all of the formalities – including a medical – are likely to be completed while Firmino is in South America to enable him to complete what is likely to be a club record transfer for the Bundesliga side.
Their most expensive transfer to date was the sale of Carlos Eduardo to Rubin Kazan for €20m (£14.5m).
Firmino, who scored seven Bundesliga goals last season, is valued between €25-30m.