Bayern Munich plotting shock move for Granit Xhaka

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are working towards acquiring the services of Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to 4-4-2.com.

After spending the last seven years in north London, Xhaka is set to leave Arsenal in the upcoming transfer window.

The Switzerland international recently said goodbye to the Arsenal fanbase just before their Premier League season finale against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday when he scored two first-half goals in a comprehensive 5-0 win.

While Bayer Leverkusen are the favourites to land Xhaka at this stage, Bayern are trying to throw a late spanner in the works and bring him to the Allianz Arena this summer.

The Bavarians are reportedly trying to capitalise on Leverkusen’s reluctance to meet Arsenal’s asking price of €25 million and offer Xhaka an initial three-year deal; two years fewer than Leverkusen’s current offer.

Bayern are looking to sign a new midfielder in the upcoming transfer window and have earmarked West Ham United’s Declan Rice as a potential target, but the Englishman would prefer to remain in the Premier League.

As a result, Bayern now have to look elsewhere in their search for reinforcements in the centre of the pitch and could be set for another blow with Xhaka believed to be prioritising a move to Bay Arena, although Leverkusen and Arsenal still need to come to an agreement in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are already making plans for Xhaka’s departure with the Gunners eyeing moves for Rice and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo in an audacious double swoop.

Mikel Arteta’s men are set to commence official talks with West Ham soon over a deal for Rice as they prepare to fend off competition from Bayern Munich, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs.

However, Rice is currently focused on his side’s upcoming Conference League final against Fiorentina at the Eden Arena on June 7.