UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are determined to sign Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka in the upcoming transfer window, according to a number of recent reports.
The Arsenal midfielder has a year remaining on his contract and an additional year option that the club can use to extend his time in North London.
However, with talks circulating that Arsenal may seek to find an upgrade on the midfielder this summer, Leverkusen may sense their chance to lure him away from England.
Xhaka Could Return To German Football This Summer
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, a close friend of Mikel Arteta, is currently in command of the Bundesliga giants and may well be responsible for the club’s interest in Xhaka.
The Switzerland captain, 30, must decide whether to return to German football or remain at Arsenal, as the Gunners are expected to make two significant midfield additions this summer.
Arsenal have made England international and West Ham skipper, Declan Rice, their top transfer target while they also have a significant interest in Moises Caicedo of Brighton and N’Golo Kante of Chelsea.
Arteta is prepared to bolster his squad as they prepare for a return to the Champions League and expand on their Premier League title bid this season.
Since joining Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach for £35 million in 2016, Xhaka has earned a great deal of respect at the club for his service and conduct.
Xhaka had a very public falling out with Arsenal fans in 2019, but he has since fought his way back into their hearts and is now one of the most popular players with the club’s supporters.
The Swiss footballer’s tough tackles and determined attitude has continued to endear him to fans at the Emirates, particularly as they experienced such a run of success this season.
Xhaka Could Face Big Competition If He Stays At Arsenal
It is not certain that Xhaka will depart, and the fee could be less than £20 million due to his age and contract, but he may have the final say due to the high regard in which he is held.
His potential replacement, or competition, Rice, could play either as a midfield anchor or as a forward in the role occupied by Xhaka.
In recent weeks Arsenal have grown very confident of signing the England midfielder this summer.
They also want another midfielder and defensive cover, and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is reported to be a possibility.
The club are also seeking a dynamic winger, with Bayer Leverkusen’s France international Moussa Diaby on the Gunner’s list of targets, which could help the German club claim Granit Xhaka if a deal were to be done.
Arteta’s Gunners are still in the title race although it looks likely that Manchester City will secure yet another Premier League at the season’s end.
Arsenal continued their fight with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St. James’ Park at the weekend and face fixtures versus Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves before they can rest for the summer.
Arteta’s side host Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday where they will look to accumulate more points and challenge Pep Guardiola’s Man City all the way to the end.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
