Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly advanced discussions with Arsenal over a possible summer deal for Granit Xhaka.
According to a report by Evening Standard, Granit Xhaka is closing in on returning to the Bundesliga in the summer transfer window. Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal are discussing a move for the 30-year-old midfielder. And a deal will likely cost Die Werkself in the region of £15 million.
Granit Xhaka spent his formative years in his hometown, starting at FC Concordia Basel. But he graduated from the FC Basel Academy before spending a couple of years in the first team. And the Swiss international rose to prominence during a four-year stint with Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach. His next move came at Arsenal.
The 30-year-old has endured a topsy-turvy ride at the Emirates, even becoming the Arsenal captain for some time. And he has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile, Xhaka’s performance levels have risen this season, and he has seven goals and seven assists in 45 appearances.
But Xhaka’s long-term Arsenal future is uncertain, as he will enter the final year of his contract in July. Reports in February suggested that Arsenal and the experienced midfielder were discussing a new deal. But he will likely leave Arsenal to return to the Bundesliga, with Bayer Leverkusen being his next destination.
Granit Xhaka, set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season. No negotiations over new deal and plan to part ways in June. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to sign him — €15m fee.
Understand personal terms are almost agreed over four year deal — June 2027. pic.twitter.com/0MlyJwNwhm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2023
Bayer Leverkusen recently joined the race to sign Xhaka this summer. They have come leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, whose gameplay has galvanised Die Werkself. But they are already planning for the summer transfer window, with the former Arsenal captain emerging as a target.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfield lacks experience apart from Kerem Demirbay. So Xhaka is a viable target for the Bundesliga outfit. And the report claims they have advanced discussions with Arsenal over a deal for the 30-year-old. Meanwhile, the experienced midfielder will cost around £15 million.
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Xhaka’s long and fruitful stint with Arsenal will end in the summer transfer window. And a deal worth £15 million is seemingly on the cards. It will be interesting to see if Bayer Leverkusen can seal an agreement in the coming days to pave the way for the Swiss international to return to the Bundesliga.