Granit Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen is being billed in Switzerland as the ‘transfer of the summer’, as Xabi Alonso’s looks to reshape the Werkself’s midfield.
- Bayer Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, are interested in signing Granit Xhaka from Arsenal
- Arsenal are open to selling Xhaka, whose contract runs until 2024, with Leverkusen hoping to finalise a deal by early June.
- The Leverkusen club management sees Xhaka as a potential leader to help elevate the team to the next level.
Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder, Granit Xhaka, is being pursued hard by Bayer Leverkusen. Spearheaded by their new coach, Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen are poised to reshape their squad ahead of the new season and Xhaka looks to be a key piece of that plan.
Xhaka, 30, has allegedly held talks with Alonso regarding a shared vision for the future of the Bundesliga side. The Spanish coach envisions Xhaka as a strong leader capable of bringing Leverkusen to new heights.
Moreover, Xhaka’s wife, Leonita, could tilt the scales in favour of a Leverkusen move after it was claimed she was keen on a return to the country. Born in Mönchengladbach, a short drive from Leverkusen, the possibility of returning closer to her roots seems to be influencing the family’s decision.
Arsenal’s stance on the situation, according to the The S*n, is accommodating. Both the club and coach Mikel Arteta have indicated they would not oppose the vice-captain’s decision to transfer.
Xhaka’s contract with Arsenal runs until 2024, and a departure this summer would result in a transfer fee. Currently, discussions suggest a value around €15 million.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes remained tight-lipped when asked about the Xhaka question. “There is no question that we keep looking at the market to see what opportunities there are. But I will never comment on individual players,” he said.
The potential move, with a contract rumoured to extend until 2027, could mark a significant shift in Leverkusen’s tactical approach.
