Granit Xhaka’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen is set to cost more than previously expected, with Arsenal agreeing to a £21.5m deal.

Arsenal news and gossip - Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka celebrates his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka celebrates his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Just before the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Granit Xhaka was heavily linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, with reports that he would join the German club for a fee in the region of €15m (£13m).

Despite claims that Xhaka had already said his goodbyes to teammates, the move was then put on hold, with Arsenal seemingly delaying until they secured a replacement.

Yet John Cross of the Mirror broke the news on Friday that Arsenal were also holding out for more money, demanding around £20m to allow Xhaka to leave for Leverkusen.

Arsenal news and gossip - Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka acknowledges supporters at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka acknowledges supporters at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

It seems the Gunners have now succeeded in getting what they wanted.

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Kaya Kaynak of Football.London reports that Xhaka is edging closer to the Leverkusen move, with a fee of €25m (£21.5m) being agreed.

Charles Watts confirms the news, reporting that after renewed talks with Leverkusen, the move will soon be announced for a fee of £21.5m.

That’s certainly a good bit of negotiating from Arsenal, adding €10m onto the previously reported price.

Arsenal supporters hold a "Farewell Granit" banner as Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka walks off the pitch at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal supporters hold a “Farewell Granit” banner as Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka walks off the pitch at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

A fee of £21.5m would also be the highest fee a Premier League club has ever received for a midfielder in their thirties, easily trumping the £10+2m fee Arsenal paid for Jorginho in January.

Adam Rae Voge highlights that only five midfielders over 30 have ever gone for €25m+, in any league.

It’s still a shame to see Xhaka leaving after his best season in an Arsenal shirt, but the club are clearly looking to refresh the midfield.

If Bayer Leverkusen are offering a good fee, and if Xhaka feels it’s the right time to go, it could end up as a deal that suits all parties in the long term.

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