German giants Bayer Leverkusen are working on a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer, as they look to take advantage of midfield upheaval in the Gunners ranks this season.
After several difficult years in north London, Xhaka has become a vital player for Mikel Arteta this season, with the Swiss midfielder thriving in his new position in the Gunners engine room.
Deployed further forward than previously, five goals and seven assists represents his best-ever goalscoring season, and he has endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful, a scenario that seemed impossible just two years ago.
This Granit Xhaka tackle. Sign him up for another 4 or 5 years. 🤝🏽 pic.twitter.com/CvW1dCpQhF
— FK (@fkhanage) May 7, 2023
Having signed a new contract in 2021, his current deal expires in 2024, though Arsenal have an option to extend that for another year should they wish too.
But there is plenty of midfield uncertainty this summer, with two central options reportedly on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, one of which would likely take Xhaka’s spot in the club’s strongest first XI.
And that has led to interest from abroad, with German side Leverkusen reportedly exploring a potential ‘double digit’ deal to lure the 30-year-old back to Germany, where he spent several years with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Should he opt to leave, his decision could potentially help the Gunners land one of their own targets, with Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby reportedly high on their list of options to bolster the front line this summer, and Xhaka heading the other way perhaps bringing the price of the Frenchman down slightly.
