Granit Xhaka on the move! Bayer Leverkusen to lose another key figure as ex-Arsenal star in talks to follow Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz out the door

According to Blick, the 32-year-old midfielder is reportedly evaluating his options as Leverkusen undergo a wave of key departures. Talks are already underway between the player’s camp and interested clubs, with several sides, possibly from Saudi Arabia, showing serious interest.

The former Arsenal star played a central role in Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign last season and still has three years left on his contract. However, with manager Xabi Alonso gone and midfield sensation Florian Wirtz set to depart, Xhaka could be the next big name out.

It is the latest development in a chaotic season for the German club. Notably, after leading Leverkusen to an invincible season last year, Alonso departed for Real Madrid, while defender Jonathan Tah joined Bayern Munich. Jeremie Frimpong has completed a move to Liverpool, with Wirtz also expected to join the Premier League champions. Xhaka's potential departure comes as Leverkusen undergoes a significant squad overhaul. The 32-year-old midfielder has been a key figure since joining from Arsenal in 2023, making 99 appearances.

While there were initial assumptions that Xhaka might return to Swiss club Basel, that option appears off the table, according to Blick. The Swiss international had expressed his desire to return to his boyhood club during his brother Taulant's appearance in final Super League match, but Basel are reportedly not considering him as part of their current plans.

Xhaka is currently on international duty with Switzerland for the international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. He is expected to be in action when the Swiss take on Mexico on June 7. The midfielder is likely to make a final decision on his club future after the conclusion of Switzerland’s international fixtures. Meanwhile, Leverkusen, under new manager Erik ten Hag, have begun reshaping their squad, with Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken the first signing of the summer.