Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is on the verge of completing a £21.5 million move to Bayer Leverkusen, according to talkSPORT. The Gunners are also looking to strengthen their squad with the potential signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
After finishing as runners-up last season, Arsenal is determined to make preparations for another Premier League title charge. While they have only seen the departures of Pablo Mari and Ainsley Maitland-Niles so far, Xhaka could be the next player to leave the club. The 31-year-old Swiss international is in the final year of his contract, prompting Arsenal to cash in on him this summer.
Xhaka has been with Arsenal for seven seasons, making 297 appearances and scoring 23 goals across all competitions. Although more departures could follow, manager Mikel Arteta’s side is also focused on bringing in new players ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Gunners are confident in their pursuit of Ajax star Jurrien Timber, with a £40 million deal close to completion. Timber is expected to undergo a medical at Arsenal before finalizing the move. He will join Kai Havertz as one of the latest new names to join the club, with Declan Rice also rumored to be on their radar.
Timber’s arrival will further bolster Arsenal’s already impressive defense. The Gunners have managed to retain one of their top stars, William Saliba, who is set to sign a new contract this week. Additionally, winger Reiss Nelson is also close to extending his stay at the club.
Arsenal is likely to remain active in the transfer market as they aim to go one step further under Arteta next season. Premier League champions Manchester City have strengthened their squad with the signing of Mateo Kovacic, and there are rumors linking Josko Gvardiol with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners’ focus on strengthening their defense is evident with the pursuit of Timber and the contract extensions for Saliba and Nelson. Arteta is keen to build a solid foundation at the back, which will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.
Xhaka’s departure will leave a void in Arsenal’s midfield, but the club has already started planning for life without him. The Swiss international has been a key figure in the team, providing stability and leadership on the pitch. However, with his contract situation and Leverkusen’s interest, it seems like the right time for both parties to part ways.
As Arsenal continues to shape their squad for the upcoming season, fans can expect more transfer activity in the coming weeks. Arteta has shown his ability to identify and recruit talented players, and the Gunners will be hoping that their summer signings can make an immediate impact.
With Manchester City strengthening their squad and other top teams looking to improve, Arsenal will face stiff competition in their quest for the Premier League title. However, with the right additions and a solid defensive unit, they have the potential to challenge for silverware.
The Gunners’ faithful will be eagerly anticipating the start of the new season, hoping that the club can build on their recent successes and bring back the glory days to the Emirates Stadium.