Granit Xhaka waits on Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan to reach transfer agreement after giving green light to Serie A switch

Xhaka has given his initial approval for a move to Italy, with the next 48 hours deemed decisive. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swiss international is waiting for Leverkusen and Milan to open formal talks, expected to happen at the start of the week. Milan see the experienced playmaker as a key figure for a revamped midfield leadership duo alongside Luka Modric under Massimiliano Allegri.

For years, Milan’s transfer model revolved around under-25 talents but that is changing this summer. Amid eyeing for Modric, Milan are now pushing to add Xhaka, two experienced leaders intended to anchor both the dressing room and the midfield. The sporting director of the Serie A club, Igli Tare, has made the 32-year-old central to the Rossoneri’s rebuild, despite his long contract at Leverkusen that runs until 2028.

The midfielder, who impressed in both Arsenal and Die Werkself spells, reportedly wants Milan and has made that clear behind the scenes. But for the move to happen, the German club will need to agree to a transfer fee, something Milan hope to keep around €10 million (£9m/$11m). There’s potential for the deal to open on two fronts. Leverkusen are interested in Milan defender Malick Thiaw, valued at around €25m (£21m/$29m). The German side, having already lost Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz this summer, are financially secure, but might still be tempted by a package deal that includes a player they admire.

Tare is expected to initiate direct talks with Leverkusen in the coming days. The San Siro side want a leader in the middle, and Xhaka fits the bill. With Modric in place, the Rossoneri are doubling down on experience to guide a young squad. The next 48 hours will reveal if the Germans are willing to part with their Swiss general.