Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka’s potential move to Bayer Leverkusen has taken an interesting turn as reports suggest that the Gunners have successfully negotiated a higher transfer fee for the Swiss international. Initially, it was speculated that Xhaka would join Leverkusen for a fee of around €15 million (£13 million) towards the end of the 2022/23 season.
Earlier indications even suggested that Xhaka had bid farewell to his Arsenal teammates, hinting at an imminent departure. However, the transfer was subsequently put on hold, with Arsenal seemingly waiting to secure a suitable replacement before sanctioning the move. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
In a surprising twist, John Cross of the Mirror recently revealed that Arsenal was also holding out for an increased transfer fee, demanding approximately £20 million to allow Xhaka’s departure to Leverkusen.
Recent reports from Kaya Kaynak of Football.London indicate that the Gunners’ persistence has paid off, as Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen is now drawing closer, with an agreed fee of €25 million (£21.5 million).
Charles Watts corroborates this development, stating that following renewed negotiations with Leverkusen, the transfer is expected to be officially announced soon, with Arsenal pocketing a substantial £21.5 million.
The fact that Arsenal managed to secure an extra €10 million compared to the previously reported price demonstrates some shrewd negotiating on their part.
Furthermore, a transfer fee of £21.5 million for Xhaka would surpass the record for the highest fee ever received by a Premier League club for a midfielder in their thirties, comfortably surpassing the £10+2 million Arsenal paid for Jorginho in January.
Adam Rae Voge points out that in any league, only five midfielders aged over 30 have ever been sold for €25 million or more.
While it is undoubtedly disappointing to see Xhaka depart after his standout season in an Arsenal shirt, it appears that the club is actively seeking to rejuvenate their midfield.
If Bayer Leverkusen is offering a substantial fee, and if Xhaka believes it is the right time to move on, this could ultimately turn out to be a deal that benefits all parties involved in the long run. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Nextbet Sports.
