Granit Xhaka is a target of interest to Bayer Leverkusen and although he remains an important Arsenal player, Mikel Arteta will be aiming to sign a long-term successor in the summer transfer window.
Declan Rice tops the list of three central defenders Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has booked ahead of the summer transfer window.
But with the Gunners looking for a new pillar in midfield, Granit Xhaka's future is in the spotlight. Mirror Football has learned that Xhaka, 30, is wanted by Germany's Bayer Leverkusen, who know he has just one year left on his Arsenal contract, plus the option of a further 12 months.
The now grown-up Swiss captain has been an integral part of Arteta and his team's title-winning quest this season, but he could decide to leave the Emirates this summer if the Gunners bring in a long-term successor. West Ham star Rice is number 1 on Arsenal's shortlist but has two other Premier League midfielders in sight. Brighton ace Moises Caicedo, whom Arsenal tried to buy in January but failed to bid, is an option as is Chelsea's N'Golo Kante. The Gunners have had no problem signing players from London rivals Chelsea like Kante, as evidenced by their signing of Jorginho in January after failing to sign Caicedo.
The highly-rated 21-year-old Ecuadorian has since signed a new four-year contract with Brighton but has not ruled out transferring large sums of money in the summer months. Before losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final in April, Caicedo told The Telegraph:
"I'm sure I'll get more opportunities. That's why I keep doing well [at Brighton]. Discussing Arsenal's interest, Caicedo added:
"I met a lot of them before I knew there was a chance I would sign them. I watched them and I liked them because they have very talented young players and some stars, but they always have the mindset of wanting more."
However, Rice is the one Arteta wants the most out of the three, but he's going to spend a decent amount. Speaking after the England international led West Ham to a 1-0 win over Man United on Sunday, manager David Moyes said:
"It would be extremely costly if anyone called."
As for Xhaka's future, it was widely reported in March that the Gunners had decided to trigger the Swiss one-year extension clause, which would keep him in north London until 2025. Europa League final Leverkusen has not stopped their interest, in hopes of signing Xhaka. discount the transfer fee based on his age and contract situation.
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach youngster has been an Arsenal player since 2016, after being signed by Arsene Wenger for £35m. Xhaka, highly regarded by the Gunners after a tumultuous first few years, was about to join Jose Mourinho at Roma two years ago but Arteta convinced him to stay.
It looks like he will have to do the same this summer, especially if Rice, Caicedo or Kante switch places.
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