Arsenal's Granit Xhaka set for Bayer Leverkusen move as transfer remains pending

The transfer of Granit Xhaka from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen is currently on hold, with negotiations temporarily halted.

According to Kicker, Arsenal are keen on acquiring a high-calibre replacement for Xhaka, showing interest in both Declan Rice of West Ham and Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City.

The discussions for these potential signings have been put on hold due to the involvement of both clubs in European finals this week. Negotiations will resume after the conclusion of the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday and the Champions League final on Saturday.

However, Arsenal faces stiff competition from Bayern Munich for the signing of Declan Rice, as the Bundesliga club intensifies its efforts to secure the services of the talented English international. Although Arsenal remains in contention, Rice seems open to a move to Bayern, with ongoing negotiations between the player and the club.

Once the deal is finalized, Arsenal can expect to receive €15m from Leverkusen for Xhaka, who is anticipated to sign a four-year contract until 2027. This move would see him return to Germany after leaving Monchengladbach for London in 2016.

A significant factor influencing Xhaka's desire to return to the Bundesliga is his family. Xhaka's wife hails from the Rhine area and wishes to return to Germany, as the couple first met during his tenure at Borussia Monchengladbach.