Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka agrees Sunderland deal

Granit Xhaka is on the verge of leaving Bayer Leverkusen for Sunderland, according to TBR. The report has reported that promoted club Sunderland have agreed a €20million (£17.3m) deal with Bundesliga outfit Bayer for the transfer of Xhaka this summer.

Xhaka himself has agreed on a three-year contract with the Black Cats, whose manager Regis Le Bris was keen on bringing the midfielder to the Stadium of Light as soon as he learnt that the midfielder was available. The Swiss star has not taken a pay-cut.

Journalist Graeme Bailey told TBR: “Sunderland were never quite sure they could pull the Xhaka deal off. When it was first suggested to Juan Sartori via intermediaries, it was seen as unlikely.

“But as talks progressed, it became increasingly evident to the club that they could get him and they have now got it over the line.

“This really is a blockbuster move, Sunderland have done bigger deals this summer – in terms of fees, but getting Xhaka is massive – he is going to become the cornerstone of this Sunderland team.”