Arsenal transfer delayed despite being ‘very, very advanced’, as Arteta demands second deal be completed first

An Arsenal exit involving Granit Xhaka has been put on ice despite a second source confirming it’s close to completion, with Mikel Arteta insisting another deal crosses the line first.

Midfield is the area of the pitch expected to see the greatest change at the Emirates 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.

Competition for West Ham captain Rice is coming from Bayern Munich. Elsewhere, Brighton’s Caicedo will see a renewed push for his signature come from Chelsea after the Blues lost out to PSG over Manuel Ugarte.

In any case, Arsenal are determined to sign two new starting midfielders and Granit Xhaka is the first player who’ll make way.

Despite excelling in more of a box-to-box role this season, the veteran Swiss international is on course to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Fabrizio Romano reported in May that Xhaka’s move back to Germany is “very, very advanced”. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen are closing in on a €15m (approx. £13m) deal and a four-year contract has been tabled.

There had been speculation two of Germany’s biggest sides – Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – could hijack Leverkusen’s move.

However, Romano dismissed the Dortmund speculation and according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Bayern rumours are wide of the mark too. Indeed, Plettenberg tweeted Xhaka to Bayern is “no topic”.

However, while Plettenberg echoed Romano’s prior claims by stating Xhaka’s contract at Leverkusen is “almost negotiated”, the move is set to be delayed.

That development is at Arsenal and Arteta’s behest, however, with the Gunners reportedly insisting they sign – or at the very least line up – a worthy replacement first.

To that end, Xhaka is in limbo until Arsenal progress on a midfield signing of their own and three targets were cited by Plettenberg.

Arsenal want Rice, Caicedo or Gundogan before Xhaka leaves

Rice and Caicedo were both namechecked, as was Man City captain, Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan could be available as a free agent this summer with his contract at the Etihad expiring on June 30.

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.

For his part, Gundogan would prefer to stay with City and the ball is therefore in the champions’ court.

In any case, further delays on signing any of Rice, Caicedo and Gundogan is set to ensure Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen is frozen until further notice.

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