AC Milan have been increasingly linked with a move for former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, though Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director is denying that a move is on.
MUNICH, GERMANY: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between FC Bayern München and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Allianz Arena on March 05, 2025. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
In recent weeks, various reports have suggested that AC Milan are planning a move for Granit Xhaka this summer.
Fabrizio Romano initially wrote on June 15th that Milan were set to step up their interest, and a few days later he reported that the club had made direct contact with Bayer Leverkusen.
Romano claimed that Xhaka was open to the move and talks were underway, confirming on Wednesday that negotiations were ongoing.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen react following the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Feyenoord and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at De Kuip on September 19, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Yet Leverkusen are publicly denying the claims, with the club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes making an emphatic statement.
“There were and are no negotiations with AC Milan about Granit Xhaka – nor any transfer fee proposals on our part,” Rolfes said. “Granit is a very important player for us.”
Following those comments, Alfredo Pedulla wrote that Milan do want to close another midfield deal, and the “dance” for Xhaka is ongoing, despite Rolfes’ denials. Though Pedulla added that Milan are also targeting fellow Swiss footballer Ardon Jashari.
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka heads the ball next to Germany's Ilkay Gundogan during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A football match between Switzerland and Germany at the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt am Main on June 23, 2024. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images
Time will tell if there’s any genuine possibility of a transfer for Xhaka to Serie A this summer, but it’s clear he remains well regarded a couple of years after his departure from Arsenal.
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