Arsenal hold talks over move for RB Leipzig star as Granit Xhaka exit looms

Arsenal stalwart Granit Xhaka is on the verge of completing a move to Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5 million transfer.

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The experienced midfielder enjoyed a renaissance last season, playing a vital role in his side’s unlikely Premier League title challenge.

After seven years in north London, however, Xhaka is keen for a new challenge and is set to return to the Bundesliga where he made his name at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Mikel Arteta had been keen on retaining the services of one of his most trusted lieutenants, despite his plans to oversee an overhaul of his midfield engine room this summer.

Thomas Partey’s future is also a matter of conjecture with several Serie A and Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs interested in his services, while Albert Sambi Lokonga appears likely to join Burnley on loan.

Kai Havertz has been bought from Chelsea to play in the role Xhaka occupied last term, but even with the return of Mohamed Elneny from a long-term injury, Arsenal are still short of midfield options.

The Gunners have shown a significant interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but he is valued at around £50m.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also plotting a move for the former Manchester City starlet whom Pep Guardiola admitted he did not want to sell earlier this year.

He said: ‘I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing. We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him.

‘We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not [get] enough minutes like he has in Southampton.’

Given the asking price and competition for Lavia’s services, Arsenal are considering alternative options and have held talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs.

According to Sky Germany, Arteta is said to be a keen admirer of a player who has been capped 10 times by the German national team.

The 26-year-old’s contract expires next summer and could provide a cheap option for Arsenal who are primed to spend in excess of £200m this summer, half of which will go on the imminent signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.

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