Arsenal's asking price for Granit Xhaka revealed as Bayer Leverkusen interest confirmed

With the Premier League title now looking out of reach, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is planning a ruthless overhaul of his squad this summer to give his side the best possible chance of success next season.

Arsenal are prepared to sell as many as 10 players to help fund a summer spending spree, with Arteta set to be handed as much as £200m for new signings.

While a number of fringe players are expected to leave, several first-team stars could also be sold to bolster Arsenal's war chest.

One player strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer is vice-captain Granit Xhaka, who has played a key role for the Gunners this season.

Xhaka, 30, will have just one year remaining on his deal at the end of the season and Arsenal may look to cash in on him rather than offering him a new deal.

German football expert Florian Plettenberg has confirmed Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder but are yet to make contact with Arsenal.

"News #Xhaka: Leverkusen is still pushing to sign him! It's looking very good," tweeted Plettenberg.

"[Xabi] Alonso wants him as a top leader. Understand that Xhaka wants to take on another challenge this summer. But he's totally focused on @Arsenal now.

"Price valuation of around €15m. No negotiations between the clubs yet."

Will Xhaka leave Arsenal?

Arsenal are keen to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice and Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.

If both players join the club, it may leave Xhaka surplus to requirements - with Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira and Mohamed Elneny other midfield options for Arteta.

German outlet Kicker has claimed that Xhaka's wife, Leonita - who he met during his playing days at Monchengladbach - is keen to return to Germany after seven years in England.

Xhaka could seek to leave the Gunners as a result, with Bayer Leverkusen currently an attractive option given the club's upturn in form under former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Topics: Football, Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal, Transfers, Granit Xhaka, Bundesliga, Premier League

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan