Kyril-Louis Dreyfus offers personal terms to Granit Xhaka in next Sunderland coup
Sunderland have been linked to a shock move for former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka.
The Black Cats have already stunned fans so far this summer, with six new arrivals making their way through the doors at The Stadium of Light.
But transfer chiefs at Sunderland are far from finished, with several more signings expected in an effort to bolster the squad of Regis Le Bris.
The Frenchman is preparing his squad for the club’s first season back in the Premier League, after eight years in the lower divisions.
Xhaka’s Premier League story might not be finished
According to Sacha Tavolieri (July 15), Sunderland have entered the race for the signature of Xhaka, with Kyril Louis Dreyfus in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal worth around £8.5million.
The Black Cats have offered the midfielder a three-year contract, amid competition from Saudi Arabian side NEOM SC.
Xhaka has reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed club, who were promoted to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season.
But Sunderland’s interest could attract the interest of the Swiss midfielder, who spent seven years in the Premier League with Arsenal.
Xhaka’s story with the Gunners was one of incredible turnaround.
| Granit Xhaka | Premier League (2016-2023) |
| Appearances | 225 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 24 |
Joining under the management of club legend Arsene Wenger in 2016, the midfielder quickly found himself struggling following the arrival of Unai Emery.
The relationship between the player and the fans turned ugly in 2019, when, during a run of disappointing form under the Spaniard, Xhaka was booed by the fans and subsequently showed his displeasure.
His departure from Arsenal looked to be guaranteed until the arrival of Mikel Arteta, who convinced the midfielder to give the club another chance.
Under the former Manchester City coach Xhaka thrived, establishing himself among the North London’s club’s most important players – so much so that in the 32-year-old’s final appearance, The Emirates Stadium chanted that they wanted him to stay.
Xhaka would be a defining signing for Sunderland
Should Sunderland manage to convince the midfielder to return to the Premier League, they would be adding incredible quality and experience to their midfield.
A physical monster, Xhaka played every minute in all but five of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga matches last season, and whilst not fast, the Basel-born veteran is still capable of covering every blade of grass.
And that is without mentioning the stunning technique Xhaka possesses, capable of finding passes through the eye of a needle, and good for several long-range strikes every season.
A natural-born leader too, the midfielder has served as Switzerland’s captain since 2020 and captained Arsenal on several occasions.
Xhaka could be the difference for Sunderland, in their quest first for Premier League survival, and eventual competition.
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