Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has emerged as an unlikely target for Sunderland, with the Premier League club offering the midfielder a three-year contract, according to reports. The 32-year-old Switzerland international left Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and won the Bundesliga title last season.
Sunderland, who won the Championship play-offs in May to secure promotion, have entered club-to-club talks with Leverkusen via owner Kyril Louis Dreyfus. The proposed deal is valued at €10 million (£8.6 million). Xhaka still has three years remaining on his five-year contract with Leverkusen.
The Black Cats face competition from Saudi Arabian side Neom SC, who have also shown interest in the midfielder. Xhaka made 297 appearances for Arsenal over seven years, winning two FA Cups, and would bring significant Premier League pedigree to Sunderland's squad under manager Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland have already invested heavily this summer, signing Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, and Enzo Le Fee on a permanent basis. The club was also linked with former academy graduate Jordan Henderson, who joined Brentford on a free transfer.
