Arsenal Transfer News: Bayer Leverkusen have identified Granit Xhaka as a target as Arsenal speed up their pursuit of Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
For the first time in three seasons, the German team will compete in the Champions League next season. The Germans wants to add some experience to their roster and Xhaka provides that.
After a great four-year stay with Borussia Moenchengladbach, the Arsenal player, 29, is well-liked in Germany. He moved to Arsenal in 2016 and has had a tumultuous spell in north London, where he has frequently been blamed for poor results.
He had a serious falling-out with fans after responding to boos when he was substituted in a game against Crystal Palace in 2019.
Arsenal Transfer News: Tielemans is the top priority
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Xhaka was on the verge of leaving the club at the time. However, he weathered the storm and went on to be one of his team’s top players last season. Arteta, on the other hand, is continuing his makeover this summer, and Tielemans is his primary target.
If Arteta is successful in luring the Belgian, Thomas Partey will create a partnership with him. This would pave the path for Xhaka’s departure. Representatives from Leverkusen are thought to have been in London this week for talks on Xhaka.
Xhaka would leave Arsenal with two FA Cup winners’ medals and Europa League and EFL Cup runners-up medals if he left this summer. Tielemans has also won the FA Cup, scoring the game-winning goal against Chelsea in the final in 2020.
The 25-year-contract old’s at the King Power Stadium has only one year left on it. He has refused to rule out a summer departure. He was asked whether he could leave Leicester for the summer while on international duty with Belgium.
What did Tielemans say?
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“It’s not out of the question,” he responded. I can, however, remain. I’m enjoying my time in Leicester, where I’ve been welcomed with open arms since the first day. Until the last day, I willgive everything for the club.”
“However, you must consider other options, consider your profession, and make decisions on occasion. Perhaps one will find me.“
“I’m comfortable in my current situation. My contract is still valid for a year. I’m not pressed for time. You don’t switch clubs just to switch. You alter your behaviour because you are working on an exciting project.
“The most important thing for a player is to play. It’ll be up to me to make the best option for my future this summer, but for now, I’m enjoying myself and concentrating on the Red Devils.”
