Bayer Leverkusen Set To Make Move For Granit Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen are set to make a move for Granit Xhaka, with the German side looking to take the Arsenal midfielder on loan for the season.

Xhaka, 29, has had a difficult relationship with Arsenal fans but has seen that somewhat restored in the last season, with his reputation at the club increasingly positive after a solid season.

The central midfielder has been at the Gunners since 2016 and has been virtually ever present in the starting XI since that point.

With Arsenal back in European competition next season with the Europa League, Mikel Arteta is looking to add depth to his side and links to Leicester City's Youri Tielemans have gathered pace, although a concrete bid has yet to be made.

Xhaka has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium since January, with Jose Mourinho and Roma believed to be big admirers of him. Arteta, however, rejected any moves for the Switzerland captain.

It appears that rumours and reports about Xhaka's future won't be going away any time soon, and according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Leverkusen have now entered the bidding process.

Konur says that the Bundesliga side will look to take Xhaka on loan for the season with a view to a permanent transfer, should certain criteria be met.

🚨 Bayer Leverkusen are preparing to make a loan offer to Arsenal for Swiss Granit Xhaka with a permanent transfer option. 🇨🇭 🎩 #Bayer04 🔴 #AFC pic.twitter.com/urueMSS3Pb

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) June 13, 2022

It's long been recognised that Arsenal need an upgrade on Xhaka to sit in midfield with Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard, however with European football returning to the Emirates Stadium it's hard to see how Arteta, who sees Xhaka as one of the senior players in his squad, allows him to leave this summer.