Bayer isn`t letting go of the midfielder easily; Milan`s DS wants a meeting to lay the cards on the table. Progress also for Javi Guerra: Valencia rejects the first offer, but…
AC Milan is waiting for the right moment to make its move for Granit Xhaka, but one thing is already clear at Via Aldo Rossi: securing the Swiss midfielder won`t be a remote negotiation, perhaps managed by a FIFA agent. Sporting director Tare knows that convincing Bayer Leverkusen to sit down at the table and discuss selling the Swiss midfielder will require another trip to Germany.
While the player has reportedly expressed openness to a transfer to Serie A, attracted by a historic club like Milan and a new experience in a league he doesn`t know, the Rossoneri are aware that between major clubs, especially when dealing with players considered fundamental to the selling club`s project, the right steps must be taken. And among these steps in the coming days will be a face-to-face meeting in Leverkusen with Bayer executives.
The objective is to break through the wall erected around Xhaka. So far, there has been no willingness from the Germans to let him leave because this spring/summer they have already lost coach Xabi Alonso and three pillars like Frimpong, Tah, and Wirtz. Hence, their determination not to part with Xhaka, not even in the face of a first offer exceeding ten million euros for a deep-lying playmaker who will turn thirty-three in a few months.
Milan has understood that the negotiation will not be easy and that a higher bid will be necessary. Diplomacy will weigh at least as much as the financial aspect. Before talking price, Leverkusen must be swayed. Using Malick Thiaw as a bargaining chip is now complicated as the transfer of Quansah from Liverpool to Bayer is practically finalized; the agreement is set to be defined after the conclusion of the U21 European Championship.
The deal struck with the Reds, however, doesn`t entirely eliminate Thiaw`s chances of returning to Germany because Bayer could still acquire another center-back, and other clubs have shown interest in him, although none have offered the 35 million euros Milan was asking for last year. Including Malick in the deal would make it easier for Furlani and Tare to sign Xhaka, but for now…
What`s Missing
Milan is convinced that Granit would bring physicality and leadership in front of the defense, two characteristics desperately needed by coach Fonseca. Fofana is considered a key player, but Xhaka can provide even more in terms of temperament and impact. The two, Xhaka and Guerra, would give the Rossoneri midfield a significant structure.
The Spanish midfielder from Valencia has indicated he will not renew his contract, which expires in 2027, and wants to leave this summer. The first offer of sixteen million euros plus four million in bonuses was rejected by Lim`s club, but Milan plans a new bid in the coming days. Meanwhile, Bruges` valuation for Jashari, another player Milan likes, is considered too high, putting that deal on standby.
