ARSENAL MIDFIELDER’S FUTURE TAKES TWIST AS HUGE EUROPEAN OUTFIT MAKE ‘CONCRETE ADVANCES’ ON RAID

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka reportedly has a second suitor in Germany, with giants Bayern Munich making ‘concrete advances’ for the Bayer Leverkusen target.

After a seven-year career at the Emirates, it seems Xhaka could finally say goodbye this summer. The midfielder has had a layered relationship with the club and its fans over the years.

He was stripped of the captaincy in 2019 following a confrontation with fans, in one of the lowest points of his career. However, they came back around on him while he played a crucial role for the side.

This season has been his best in an Arsenal shirt. Xhaka scored seven goals and provided seven assists in the league, with the Gunners finishing second.

Each player chipped into the title fight this season, and Xhaka was one of the standout performers.

As such, it will be a sad moment for Arsenal fans when he does leave. He’s been heavily tipped to leave of late, and his social media posts have added to that, with what seemed to be a farewell message at the end of the season.

It seems Germany seems the most likely destination if he does depart this summer. It’s been reported he wants to go back there for personal reasons, and Bayer Leverkusen have no doubts that he’ll join them.

That’s despite reported interest from league rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich make ‘concrete advances’

While they’re not scared by the presence of one Bundesliga giant, they might be by another one.

Indeed, Swiss outlet 4-4-2 reports Bayern Munich have joined the pursuit for the midfielder. What’s more, it’s stated they are making ‘concrete advances’.

The Bundesliga champions have an ideal contract in place to offer to Xhaka.

Indeed, the report states they will offer him a three-year deal, with the option of an extra year.

Stumbling blocks for both sides

As yet, it’s unclear which of the two German outfits have the best chance of completing the snare. Indeed, there are stumbling blocks in place for both.

Leverkusen have seemed to be in the lead up until now. Their offer of a five-year deal means that Bayern’s approach ‘does not enjoy priority’.

Xhaka and his family also apparently want to live in Rhineland, not Munich. It’s also stated Leverkusen are offering ’employment beyond the contract’ which could be an attractive kicker.

However, their issue seems to be the fee. It’s said they don’t want to pay Arsenal’s asking price of €25million (£21.4million approx), and they are attempting to lower that.

Bayern might have no problems with that outlay, and if Leverkusen can’t match it, a move to the German capital could materialise.

It remains to be seen which of the sides has the best chance of snaring Xhaka, but his plans will likely become clear soon.

2023-06-02T13:15:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd