08 May 2023 , 21:30
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Bayer Leverkusen are desperate to sign Granit Xhaka this summer.
The German club are targeting the Arsenal midfielder who has a year left on his contract with a further 12 month option.
Leverkusen tried for Xhaka last summer and their interest has not gone away with ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso - a close friend of Mikel Arteta - in charge at the Bundesliga giants.
Switzerland captain Xhaka, 30, faces a dilemma whether to return to German football or to stay at Arsenal with the Gunners likely to make two significant midfield signings this summer.
Arsenal have made West Ham ’s England midfield star Declan Rice their No1 target while they retain a strong interest in Brighton ’s Moises Caicedo and Chelsea ’s N’Golo Kante is also on their radar as another option.
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It means competition will be fierce in midfield with Arteta ready to bolster his squad as they prepare for a return to the Champions League and also to build on this season’s Premier League title push.
There is huge respect for Xhaka at Arsenal and the way he has served the club and conducted himself since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach for £35m in 2016.
Xhaka had a very public fall out with the Arsenal supporters in 2019 but fought his way back into their affections with his dedication and performances and is now one of the most popular players with the club’s fanbase.
Arsenal could be willing to sell Granit Xhaka this summer (Getty Images)It is not certain that Xhaka will leave, the fee could be less than £20m because of his age and contract, but any final decision could rest with him, such is the respect in which he is held.
But Leverkusen are trying to come up with a package to tempt Xhaka to leave the Emirates this summer knowing that he is established as a fans’ favourite and hero among the fans.
Arsenal are very confident of landing Rice this summer and he could play either as a midfield anchorman or further forward in the role that Xhaka has occupied.
They also want another midfielder plus defensive cover - Crystal Palace ’s Marc Guehi is a possibility - and a dynamic winger with Bayer Leverkusen’s France star Moussa Diaby on their list of targets which could help the German club land Xhaka.