The Serie A giants have identified the 32-year-old Swiss international as a key target to bolster their midfield, and they are preparing to make a formal move to secure his signature.

Xhaka, who has been a cornerstone of Leverkusen's success over the past two seasons, has given his approval for a potential switch to Milan, sources close to the player confirmed.

"Granit Xhaka has given the go-ahead for a Milan move, but talks with Bayer Leverkusen in the next 48 hours will decide his Serie A future," Goal.com reported on June 16. The former Arsenal star, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal triumphs in 2023-24, is reportedly open to a new challenge, despite his contract running until 2028.

Milan, under the guidance of sporting director Igli Tare and new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, see Xhaka as the ideal candidate to bring experience and leadership to their midfield.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted on X that Milan were "set to step up their interest in Granit Xhaka with a formal proposal to follow," signaling a shift to concrete action.

However, Leverkusen are determined to hold on to their midfield general. New manager Erik ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso after the latter's move to Real Madrid, has made it clear that Xhaka remains central to their plans. "As per reports from Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka is not pushing for a move away from the club this summer," bulinews.com reported. The club's stance is firm: only an extraordinary offer would pry the midfielder away from the BayArena.

Xhaka's stellar performances, including 99 appearances with six goals and nine assists since joining Leverkusen in 2023, have made him a hot commodity. Despite interest from other clubs, including Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, Milan appear to be the frontrunners.

Milan's interest comes amid a broader midfield overhaul, with Luka Modric already secured and Adrien Rabiot also on their radar. The Rossoneri aim to pair Xhaka's tenacity with Modric's vision, but concerns about the pace of their prospective midfield have sparked debate among fans.

A comment on sempremilan.com reflected mixed sentiment: "I'm happier about Xhaka than Modric; a bit worried about him having a three-year contract, but I think he's exactly what we were missing in the middle last year, some noise and leadership."

For Leverkusen, losing Xhaka would be another blow after the departures of Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, and Florian Wirtz. The club's valuation of Xhaka, estimated at around 15-20 million euros, could test Milan's resolve. As negotiations loom, football fans across Europe are watching closely to see if Milan can pull off this ambitious transfer.

The next few days will be crucial, with Milan and Xhaka's representatives scheduled to meet to discuss terms. Will the Swiss maestro anchor Milan's midfield revival, or will Leverkusen dig in to keep their talisman? The transfer saga is heating up, and a resolution is on the horizon.

Report: AC Milan push for Bayer Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka in transfer coup