Recent reports indicate that Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League, has reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka. This development comes as a setback for Italian giants Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus, who had been considering moves for the former Arsenal player.
According to The Athletic`s David Ornstein, Xhaka has informed Leverkusen of his exclusive desire to join Sunderland this summer. While the clubs have yet to finalize terms, the player has reportedly requested Leverkusen to swiftly resolve negotiations with Sunderland.
Xhaka, whose contract with Leverkusen runs until 2028, has been seeking a move following the departures of head coach Xabi Alonso and key players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, which he views as the end of an era at the club.
Earlier reports from Italy had suggested AC Milan as a potential destination for Xhaka. However, the Rossoneri have since secured Luka Modric and Samuele Ricci, making a return to negotiations for the Swiss midfielder unlikely.
Inter Milan had reportedly considered Xhaka as a priority target in the event of Hakan Calhanoglu`s departure. However, with Sunderland`s agreement now in place, this scenario appears improbable.
Juventus had also briefly been linked with interest in the 32-year-old Swiss international this summer.
As it stands, Sunderland appears to have outmaneuvered the Serie A clubs in the race for Xhaka`s signature, pending final agreement between the clubs.