Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has confirmed that his club will be active in the transfer market this summer, but refused to comment on the speculation linking Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka with a move. The Switzerland international has enjoyed his best season in north London, playing a pivotal role in his side’s unlikely Premier League title challenge. Xhaka’s contract does not expire until the summer of 2024 and Arsenal retain an option to extend that by a further 12 months, but in the current market he would command a fee in the region of £15million. The 30-year-old is said to have told teammates he is keen on a return to Germany where he spent four years with Borussia Monchengladbach, but Rolfes refused to confirm a move to Leverkusen is on the cards.
“There are always rumours,” Rolfes was quoted as saying by German outlet Fussball Transfers when asked about the Xhaka link. “We are looking around the market, but I will not comment on that. We want to fundamentally improve our team. There will be changes, we want to create new impetus.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are pressing ahead with securing the futures of their brightest young stars. Gabriel Martinelli had already committed his long-term future to the club and the Gunners are expected to confirm Bukayo Saka has followed suit before the end of the season. Aaron Ramsdale is set to earn a new deal which will come with a significant pay rise while Arsenal are also confident William Saliba will agree fresh terms with negotiations still ongoing.