Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks over a £13m deal to sign Granit Xhaka, with the midfielder holding conversations with Xabi Alonso.

Chris Wheatley reports for LondonWorld that Granit Xhaka wants a new challenge next season, and he’s expected to leave Arsenal this summer.

Xhaka has already informed Mikel Arteta of that decision, and the Arsenal boss is expected to sanction his departure if an adequate bid is received.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to sign Xhaka for a €15m (£13m) fee, and Romano adds that personal terms are almost agreed over a four-year deal with his new club.

Simon Collings of the Evening Standard and Kaya Kaynak of Football.London confirm that talks with Leverkusen are advanced, and Xabi Alonso is very keen on the move. A transfer is reportedly on the verge of being completed.

Santi Aouna reports that Leverkusen manager Alonso had a very long talk with Xhaka on Tuesday, explaining his project for the coming years.

Reports of Xhaka’s impending exit broke earlier this week, and it could have various knock-on effects for the rest of Arsenal’s summer window.

For a start, an amicable deal with Leverkusen could pave the way for Arsenal to make a move for apparent target Moussa Diaby.

The Gunners reportedly hold an interest in the Leverkusen winger, and you’d imagine the Bundesliga club would be more willing to do business with Arsenal after securing Xhaka’s signature.

But just as significantly, Xhaka’s departure would give us our strongest hint yet that Arsenal are preparing to invest in signing multiple midfielders.

Declan Rice is clearly the club’s top target, but Arsenal probably needed to add depth to their midfield options even before Xhaka’s departure.

Now that he’s going, it’s arguably necessary to make at least two midfield signings. With that in mind, you’d think Arsenal would only let Xhaka go if they fully intended to make those additions.