AC Milan have made Granit Xhaka their top midfield target and are preparing a formal offer to Bayer Leverkusen as Massimiliano Allegri looks to strengthen his squad.
The Swiss international, who joined the Bundesliga side in 2023, is now edging closer to a possible move to Serie A.
Milan Granit Xhaka Transfer
Milan are set to table a €10 million bid, including bonuses, for Granit Xhaka, sources close to the negotiations confirmed.
Contacts with the player’s entourage have been positive, and the former Arsenal captain is reportedly keen on a switch to Serie A.
While Bayer Leverkusen remain reluctant to sell after the departures of several key players — including Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz — Milan hope to tempt them with a direct cash deal.
Erik ten Hag Wants Xhaka to Stay at Leverkusen
New Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag sees Xhaka as a key figure in maintaining stability during a transitional summer.
Having already lost multiple first-team stars and with uncertainty surrounding other exits, Ten Hag has made it a personal mission to retain the 32-year-old midfielder.
However, Xhaka’s desire for a fresh challenge could tip the scales. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swiss international has informed Milan he’s open to the move, which would mark his first spell in Italian football.
He previously came very close to joining Jose Mourinho’s Roma side back in 2021, before Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay.
Malick Thiaw Transfer Could Influence Xhaka Deal
Though the two deals are separate, Malick Thiaw’s potential switch to Leverkusen could indirectly affect Milan’s pursuit of Xhaka.
The German defender is reportedly on Bayer’s radar as a replacement for Tah, and while Milan are open to negotiations, Allegri is reluctant to lose Thiaw unless the price is right.
Last summer, Milan valued Thiaw at €35 million. Leverkusen, meanwhile, would prefer to keep the deals unconnected, prioritizing defensive reinforcements as they prepare for another Champions League campaign.
Allegri’s Milan Midfield Rebuild
Xhaka isn’t the only name on Milan’s radar. The Rossoneri are also monitoring Youssouf Fofana, Adrien Rabiot, Javi Guerra, and Ardon Jashari. But it’s clear that Allegri and technical director Igli Tare see the Swiss midfielder as a central piece of their rebuild.
With Xhaka’s experience, leadership, and versatility, Milan believes he can anchor the midfield alongside Luka Modric — another seasoned target who may join on a short-term deal.
Granit Xhaka Stats
Xhaka, under contract with Leverkusen until 2028, played a crucial role in their Bundesliga-winning campaign in 2023-24.
His leadership and consistent performances earned plaudits, making him one of the standout midfielders in Germany over the last two seasons.
He has 14 goals in 137 caps for Switzerland and captained his country in multiple major tournaments.
Despite his importance, Milan hopes to take advantage of Leverkusen’s summer reset and the player’s willingness to leave.
Will Milan Sign Xhaka?
With talks set to intensify in the coming days, it all really depends on Leverkusen’s response to Milan’s opening offer and how strongly Ten Hag pushes to keep Xhaka.
Should Milan up their bid — or should Xhaka make his intentions more clear — the Serie A club may well get their man.
For fans and bettors following the latest transfer twists, this story could influence early Serie A futures. You can stay ahead of the odds and transfer markets at the best offshore sportsbooks, where markets often react swiftly to breaking football news.
