Granit Xhaka’s wife is reportedly keen to return to Germany, but Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director is staying tight-lipped on links with the Arsenal man.

• Granit Xhaka’s wife is reportedly keen to return to Germany, sparking rumours of a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen for the Arsenal midfielder.
• Arsenal may be willing to sell Xhaka for around €15m (£13m), a more affordable figure than the €30m quoted last year.
• Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes confirms summer overhaul plans but remains tight-lipped on Xhaka’s potential move to the German club.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Granit Xhaka from Arsenal this summer, and the Independent claim the midfielder could well be on the move.

According to Mark Mann-Bryans’ report, Arsenal would be willing to let Xhaka leave if they receive an offer they deem acceptable in the upcoming window.

German outlet Kicker claim Xhaka’s wife is keen to return to Germany, where she originally met the Arsenal man during his time with Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Kicker report that Arsenal would sell Xhaka for around €15m (£13m), which is a more affordable figure for Leverkusen than the €30m they were apparently quoted last year.

Responding to the rumours, Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes refused to specifically address Xhaka, but confirmed they’re planning a summer overhaul.

“We are looking at the market to see what possibilities there are to improve our team,” Rolfes said. “I don’t want to comment on individual players.

“There will be an upheaval in our team. We’re trying to bring in new ideas. We want to improve the team. Our ambitions won’t be lower next season.

“We will do good things in the summer and have a good team!”

Whether there’s any truth to these claims remains to be seen. Xhaka has played a key role in a strong Arsenal team this year, so on the surface you’d think a departure was unlikely.

Mikel Arteta’s side are finally set to return to the Champions League, giving Xhaka an opportunity to play in the competition for the first time in years.

At the same time, the Gunners are widely reported to be pursuing deals for midfielders this summer. Perhaps that might convince Xhaka to jump ship before he’s pushed.