Atletico Madrid are targeting Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka as part of their summer overhaul this summer, say multiple reports in Spain.
Diario AS has verified information first published in El Mundo Deportivo that the Switzerland international is on the radar of Los Rojiblancos.
The role of Atleti sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be key – he reportedly has tracked the central midfielder’s progress since his days in the Bundesliga.
Xhaka joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2016 in a €45m deal and has won the FA Cup during his three seasons in North London.
The midfielder made 40 appearances for Unai Emery’s side last season but his disciplinary record has always been questioned – he collected 10 yellow cards or more in four of his last six league seasons.
Atleti are said to be in the market for several reinforcements including Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente, although they are reluctant to meet his €50m valuation.
It is claimed that Xhaka has now emerged as an alternative to such a deal.
