The planned Arsenal departure of Granit Xhaka is perhaps not a formality just yet.
Well before the summer transfer window had even opened, football.london reported that Xhaka was in advanced talks to sign for Bayer Leverkusen during this summer's transfer window in a deal worth €15million (£13million). The move looked to be on the verge of completion, but Arsenal were waiting to welcome some midfield replacements before giving the green light.
Over a month on from talks starting, one arrival in the middle of the park has already been confirmed in Kai Havertz with another expected to soon follow in Declan Rice. The £65million transfer for Havertz was confirmed on Wednesday evening, with a verbal agreement reached with West Ham for Rice the following day, yet there has been no significant update involving a departure for Xhaka.
Some news has come to light in recent days though, but it would hint towards the Switzerland captain staying at Arsenal. According to the Mirror, the Gunners have changed their stance and now want around £20million for the veteran midfielder.
Given his impressive 2022/23 campaign, that still seems a fair fee, but it remains to be seen whether or not Leverkusen will pay the fresh asking price. Edu and Mikel Arteta should now use this period where Leverkusen assess their options to ensure that Xhaka stays at Emirates Stadium. As per The Athletic's Art de Roche, the Gunners do not consider selling Xhaka as a 'need' and talks over his transfer to the Bundesliga side remains at a standstill.
At the time news of his planned move came to light, it was also made clear that Xhaka was in favour of a new challenge. However, as Arteta has done for Rice, Havertz and Jurrien Timber, a conversation explaining his plans for the Gunners could convince Xhaka it is worth staying especially with so many midfield additions.
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It is likely that his minutes will diminish, but Arteta still needs some leaders in the dressing room with the average age of the squad to decrease if Rice and Timber join Havertz in signing. Thomas Partey still departing is on the cards with interest from Saudi Arabia and Serie A, and Arsenal can have no fear in sanctioning his exit if Xhaka stays.
Havertz was identified as the replacement for Xhaka, but keeping him around at London Colney, if only for an extra 12 months, will show its value both on and off the pitch. A return to the Champions League also stresses the need for squad depth and even if only one of Xhaka or Partey leave, another midfielder should still be brought in.
It is not known how Fabio Vieira or Emile Smith Rowe will fair in the senior team next season which further highlights the importance to bring in another body in the engine room. Southampton star Romeo Lavia is a transfer target that is certainly attainable by the Gunners, despite strong interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, a €70million (£60.1m) deal being agreed by the Reds to sign RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai could halt that interest. Arsenal are also further along in their pursuit of Rice than Chelsea are as they begin formal negotiations to sign their priority target Moises Caicedo, which means Arsenal can get the jump on their rivals for Lavia, while also keeping Xhaka at the club.
