Bayer Leverkusen have the money to sign Granit Xhaka from Arsenal this summer, with the midfielder valued at €15m.
That’s according to BILD, who say the German side have identified the Switzerland star as an ideal addition for their plans under Xabi Alonso.
We covered a report yesterday that stated Leverkusen were making a surprise move for Xhaka, with Arsenal reportedly willing to let him go if they can find a replacement.
It was explained in that report that Alonso had identified the midfielder as a perfect addition for his squad and was hoping to use his relationship with Mikel Arteta to get a deal over the line.
BILD follow that up today and say the German side’s ‘first top transfer’ of the summer is ‘in the offing’.
They cover comments from Simon Rolfers, head of sport at the club, who has admitted they are focusing on transfers and changing the squad.
“We’re looking at the market to see what opportunities there are to improve our team,” explains the manager when asked a specific question about the Swiss national player. Then Rolfes added: “I will not comment on individual players.”
Despite that refusal, BILD know that the Arsenal midfielder ‘would fit exactly’ into the recruitment profile that has been set out at Leverkusen.
He would also fit nicely into what Alonso wants, with him having consistently asked for more ‘mentality’ and ‘energy’ to be added to his side.
Xhaka offers both of those qualities and is also considered a ‘defensive boss’ who can conquer the midfield, initiate attacks and set an example for his teammates.
He would represent a key piece to the puzzle and his transfer fee, believed to be €15m, is a figure that Leverkusen can afford.
That means there is a deal there to be done, although it will of course depend on Arsenal’s willingness to sanction an exit for a player who has been key to their success this season.
