Arsenal delay the deal for Granit Xhaka as they want to sign a replacement for him first. Midfield is the area of the pitch expected to see the greatest change at Arsenal this summer. The Times recently reported a £170m double move for Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice has been given the go-ahead by Arsenal chiefs.
Why is there a delay for the deal to get done at Arsenal
Granit Xhaka is poised to leave Arsenal at the end of the season and Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to sign the midfielder for €15m (£13m). The 30-year-old’s contract expires in June 2024. There are no negotiations over an extension. With a parting of ways planned seven years after Xhaka joined from another German club, Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Arsenal are keen to sign his replacement before letting him go. However, they have delayed the deal for Declan Rice as he had a European final to play. Now as the final is over, Arsenal will look to get the deal done as quickly as possible. Arsenal have submitted an €80million (£69.6m) bid for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice ahead of the summer window. This is according to Sky Sports Germany.
New news came in recently that Bayern Munich are also interested in the midfielder. That might be the reason which made Arsenal to make the first move. Sky Germany now are interested in this saga as well. Arsenal need to move quickly. West Ham and Rice have given their word during their previous meetings.
Rice and Caicedo were both namechecked, as was Man City captain, Ilkay Gundogan. Gundogan could be available as a free agent this summer. That is with his contract at the Etihad expiring on June 30. However, Arsenal are showing interest in the German veteran, 32, and are seemingly willing to go above and beyond City to secure a deal. Indeed, City are understood to be only willing to offer Gundogan a one-year deal with a club option for a second. Alternatively, Arsenal are prepared to offer a guaranteed two-year contract.
