Milan push for Xhaka with Thiaw to tempt Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Multiple sources confirm fresh talks between Milan and Bayer Leverkusen for Granit Xhaka, who is open to the move, with Malick Thiaw potentially part of the deal.

It was already reported over the last few days that Xhaka was a primary target for new coach Max Allegri, who already brought in valuable experience and class to his midfield with free agent Luka Modric.

Now Fabrizio Romano, Florian Plettenburg and Calciomercato.com are among those all confirming that new contact was made over the weekend, with talks progressing well.

Xhaka enthusiastic about Milan move

MAINZ, GERMANY – MAY 17: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen arrives at the stadium prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at MEWA Arena on May 17, 2025 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Crucially, Milan are one of the clubs that Xhaka would be prepared to leave Bayer Leverkusen for and his entourage is enthusiastic.

The Rossoneri can also lower the cost of the operation by including defender Thiaw as part of the deal.

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Malick Thiaw of AC Milan controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Calciomercato.com note that the versatile defender, who turns 24 in August, had already been targeted by Bayer Leverkusen in the past.

Involving him could therefore lead to a significant discount in the push for Swiss veteran Xhaka.