AC Milan is intensifying its interest in signing Granit Xhaka, a prominent ex-Arsenal midfielder currently at Bayer Leverkusen. This potential move comes as part of Milan’s efforts to rebuild after a challenging past season. The Italian side recently sold Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and is actively seeking a suitable replacement, with Xhaka emerging as a leading candidate.
Since departing North London for Leverkusen in 2023, Xhaka has made significant impacts on the pitch. He played a pivotal role in helping the German club secure its first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season. This achievement notably made Leverkusen the first team in Bundesliga history to clinch the title without suffering a single loss throughout the campaign.
Xhaka’s individual contributions have not gone unnoticed; he has been selected for the Bundesliga Team of the Season in consecutive years thanks to his impressive performances. In the last season, he scored twice and assisted seven goals while ranking as the second-best player in the league for progressive passes. Such statistics highlight his vital role in midfield, and it’s clear why AC Milan sees him as an important addition.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Milan is now prepared to push hard for Xhaka’s signature. They are expected to submit a formal proposal soon, with discussions between Leverkusen and Milan set to take place in the coming week. The urgency of this transfer is underscored by interest from other clubs, including Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, as well as Xhaka’s former club, FC Basel.
As AC Milan looks to potentially sign Xhaka, it’s crucial to note that the midfielder may not be the only star leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer. The club has already seen significant player transitions, including the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Other players like Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah have also secured high-profile transfers, and Leverkusen recently agreed on a remarkable £116 million sale of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.
In light of these developments, the arrival of Granit Xhaka at AC Milan could represent a new chapter for both the player and the club. For Xhaka, this opportunity could serve as a fresh start after his well-documented time at Arsenal. His performances in the Bundesliga have demonstrated that he can perform at the highest level, making him an attractive option for the Rossoneri.
Milan, having faced a disappointing season, is in search of players who can bring both leadership and quality to the squad. Xhaka fits this profile well, with his vast experience and strong presence in midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively can add much-needed stability to Milan’s midfield as they prepare for next season.
It’s important to consider how Xhaka’s playing style aligns with what Milan may be looking for. Known for his ability to control the pace of the game and distribute the ball effectively, he can serve as an essential link between defense and attack. His experience playing in high-pressure environments, particularly during his time in the Premier League, equips him with the required skills to handle the expectations associated with playing for a storied club like AC Milan.
The looming possibility of Granit Xhaka’s transfer to AC Milan is exciting for fans of both clubs. For Milan, acquiring a player of Xhaka’s caliber would signify a clear signal of their intent to return to the top of Italian football. The club seemingly aims to capitalize on its rich history by assembling a squad capable of competing for major honors both domestically and in European competitions.
Furthermore, the interest in Xhaka underscores the broader trends within football transfers, where clubs are increasingly focusing on experienced professionals who can impact the game immediately rather than relying solely on young talents. AC Milan’s pursuit of Xhaka may well align with a strategy that seeks to blend youth with experience in their squad composition.
As speculation continues to swirl around this potential transfer, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks. Xhaka, with his impressive track record and capability to change games, could become a transformative figure for AC Milan if negotiations proceed favorably.
In conclusion, while Granit Xhaka’s journey may have begun at Arsenal, his recent success at Bayer Leverkusen has established him as a player of significant merit in European football. The prospect of him joining AC Milan could mark a significant turning point for both the player and the club, as they both look to elevate their standing in the footballing world. As the transfer window continues to progress, it will be interesting to monitor how this situation develops, particularly given the stakes involved for both Xhaka and AC Milan.
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