AC Milan have been increasingly linked with a move for former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, though Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director is denying that a move is on.
In recent weeks, various reports have suggested that AC Milan are planning a move for Granit Xhaka this summer.
Fabrizio Romano initially wrote on June 15th that Milan were set to step up their interest, and a few days later he reported that the club had made direct contact with Bayer Leverkusen.
Romano claimed that Xhaka was open to the move and talks were underway, confirming on Wednesday that negotiations were ongoing.
Yet Leverkusen are publicly denying the claims, with the club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes making an emphatic statement.
“There were and are no negotiations with AC Milan about Granit Xhaka – nor any transfer fee proposals on our part,” Rolfes said. “Granit is a very important player for us.”
Following those comments, Alfredo Pedulla wrote that Milan do want to close another midfield deal, and the “dance” for Xhaka is ongoing, despite Rolfes’ denials. Though Pedulla added that Milan are also targeting fellow Swiss footballer Ardon Jashari.
Time will tell if there’s any genuine possibility of a transfer for Xhaka to Serie A this summer, but it’s clear he remains well regarded a couple of years after his departure from Arsenal.