32-year-old former Arsenal player, Granit Xhaka, is linked with AC Milan. He is seen as the ideal midfielder for Massimiliano Allegri because he is a leader on the pitch and also during the training sessions. This team does need leadership and quality. The captain of the Swiss national team is a serious target that unites all factions within the club.
Xhaka is also liked by AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare:
Swiss, but with Albanian roots (his parents emigrated from Kosovo before their children were born), left-footed, he joined Leverkusen in 2023 after spending seven seasons at Arsenal. Igli Tare has wanted to work with Xhaka for years and tried to bring him to Lazio four years ago. The mutual connection remains strong, Granit is a true favourite of the sporting director, who will do everything possible to bring him to Milan in this transfer window, as relayed via Calciomercato.com
Despite no longer being young, Xhaka remains one of the most important midfielders in the world. We’re talking about a very tactically intelligent player, with strong shooting ability and solid technique. His valuation remains high — around 15–20 million euros. Granit is still under a long-term contract with Bayer Leverkusen, running until 2028.
Milan is taking a wait-and-see approach with Xhaka. Tare wants to wait for the imminent meeting between Granit and Bayer Leverkusen’s new coach, Erik ten Hag. The Swiss midfielder — practically irreplaceable under Xabi Alonso — wants to understand what plans the former Manchester United manager has for him. And Milan? They would only launch “Operation Xhaka” if there’s a strong signal of openness from both the player and Bayer Leverkusen.
