AC Milan Eyeing Bold Move for Granit Xhaka as Bayer Leverkusen Mull Over Offer
Milan carefully constructs impressive "alternative" midfield duo
Hold on to your seats, football fans! Are Bayer Leverkusen's days as Granit Xhaka's home club numbered? Latest rumors suggest that AC Milan is vying for the coveted Swiss midfielder, with negotiations heating up between the two teams. Reportedly, Xhaka himself is open to swapping the German outfit for Italy's Lombardy.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan has set its sights on Xhaka, and a potential deal could materialize as soon as this week. The 32-year-old talisman still has a lengthy contract with Leverkusen, extending until 2028, but the Italian outfit appears to be willing to put up a fight.
To sway the German vice-champions, AC Milan wants to include Malick Thiaw as part of the transfer agreement. The defender, a former German international, made the move from Schalke 04 to Milan last season and notched 22 league appearances in the completed campaign. Thiaw could potentially replace fellow departed defender Jonathan Tah, who made a transfer to Bayern Munich.
The Allure of Milan
Igli Tare, Milan's sporting director, sees the recently opened door for Xhaka as an opportunity to bolster the squad with a quality player. With veteran star Luka Modric (39) already on the books, Xhaka would make a formidable addition to the midfield, according to Tare. Reports indicate that the Croatian's signing is imminent, which could signal a promising phase for AC Milan.
Leverkusen has had to bid farewell to several key personnel, including head coach Xabi Alonso, defensive leader Jonathan Tah, winger Jeremie Frimpong, and likely Florian Wirtz. This mass exodus has left the club looking to rebuild, but the question remains whether Xhaka will be a central figure in those efforts. During a recent interview, Xhaka acknowledged the losses as "energy-consuming" and his age (33, to be precise) but expressed optimism about the team's prospects, stating that good solutions should be found, whether with or without him.
Clearly, Xhaka's future with Bayer Leverkusen is uncertain. AC Milan seems eager to make a move, but whether Leverkusen will part ways with their veteran midfielder remains to be seen, especially considering the possibility of a swap deal with Malick Thiaw. Keep your eyes peeled for further developments on this intriguing transfer saga!
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
- Granit Xhaka
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- AC Milan
- Luka Modric
- Football Bundesliga
Insights:
According to unconfirmed reports and sources, AC Milan has made a formal offer of around €10 million, including bonuses, for Granit Xhaka[5]. Positive contacts have been made between Milan and Xhaka's representatives, with Xhaka reportedly giving his approval for the move[2][4]. Bayer Leverkusen is hesitant to let Xhakago, especially after a series of departures, but Milan's inclusion of defender Malick Thiaw in the potential transfer could pave the way for a deal[3]. Formal negotiations are set to take place next week to finalize terms[3][5].
Sources: [5] Bundesliga Fanatic; [4] Goal; [3] Sky Sports; [2] Calciomercato
Despite the Commission yet to adopt a decision on the application of the Regulation, the uncertain future of Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen might lead to his transfer to AC Milan. The potential move could see Malick Thiaw exchange places with Xhaka, as Milan attempts to reinforce its squad with a quality player ahead of the upcoming football seasons in Europe and Serie A.
