AC Milan transfer news: Xhaka back on Rossoneri radar

AC Milan transfer news continues to dominate the Italian sports pages as the Rossoneri shift focus from Luzern starlet Ardon Jashari to more experienced targets Granit Xhaka and Javi Guerra. Stefano Pioli’s side saw their €6 million bid for Jashari flatly refused and, unwilling to raise the offer, have reopened conversations with Bayer Leverkusen and Valencia in search of a proven midfield presence before the January window.

AC Milan transfer news and the return of the Xhaka option

The phrase “unfinished business” echoes around Casa Milan whenever Granit Xhaka is mentioned. The Swiss captain was first courted last summer, and personal terms were reportedly agreed, but Leverkusen’s €25 million valuation caused the deal to stall. Fast-forward six months and sporting director Geoffrey Moncada believes the landscape has changed. Xhaka’s Bundesliga wages are in line with Milan’s salary cap, and the 31-year-old is thought to be open to a Serie A adventure that could bolster his bid for Euro 2024 readiness.

Rejected Jashari bid forces an immediate rethink

Milan’s recruitment department had earmarked 21-year-old Ardon Jashari as a long-term investment. Negotiations with FC Luzern dragged on for weeks before the Swiss club insisted on at least €10 million plus bonuses. With funds limited and squad balance a priority, CEO Giorgio Furlani decided to walk away rather than inflate the fee. That decision has put AC Milan transfer news back under the microscope, especially given the club’s public promise to deliver a physically dominant midfielder this winter.

Re-establishing dialogue with Bayer Leverkusen

Initial contact between Milan and Leverkusen was re-made on Monday. Sources in Germany say sporting director Simon Rolfes would accept €18-20 million for Xhaka, a figure closer to Milan’s valuation. AC Milan transfer news insiders suggest a loan with obligation to buy tied to Champions League qualification could bridge any remaining gap. Xhaka’s leadership qualities, pressing intensity and ability to dictate tempo tick every box in Pioli’s 4-2-3-1 blueprint.

Gavi Guerra remains on the shortlist

Although Xhaka tops the hierarchy, Valencia teenager Javi Guerra is still under consideration. The 20-year-old has a €100 million clause, yet Los Che’s financial constraints mean a structured deal worth around €25 million could tempt them. Milan scouts attended Valencia’s recent draw with Villarreal and filed glowing reports on Guerra’s engine and vertical passing. If Leverkusen refuse to budge, Guerra could quickly become the headline of the next AC Milan transfer news cycle.

Financial parameters: balancing budget and ambition

RedBird Capital’s guidelines remain clear: spending must align with sustainability and UEFA’s new financial rules. Milan’s net spend last summer was already cushioned by the €70 million sale of Sandro Tonali, so room exists for one marquee January signing. However, management prefer an amortised structure to protect cash flow. That is why AC Milan transfer news repeatedly references loans with options or obligations—the model that brought Fikayo Tomori, Brahim Díaz and Olivier Giroud to San Siro.

Midfield blueprint under Stefano Pioli

Pioli wants a partner for Tijjani Reijnders who can alternate between a single pivot and double-pivot setup. In his eyes, Xhaka offers immediate tactical flexibility: the Swiss can anchor when the full-backs bomb forward or push higher to unleash Reijnders’ carrying ability. Guerra, by contrast, represents an energetic runner whose pressing resembles former Milan youth product Manuel Locatelli. As for Jashari, the Swiss youngster’s rejection simply highlights the fine margins of modern recruitment and explains why every AC Milan transfer news headline stresses versatility and readiness.

Why the Rossoneri cooled on Ardon Jashari

Several factors played into the decision. Firstly, Jashari would have needed an adaptation period, and Milan cannot afford growing pains while targeting a top-four finish. Secondly, his international commitments at the African Cup of Nations equivalent—though Switzerland do not participate, the January scheduling conflicts with Milan’s hectic calendar—would have complicated integration. Finally, with Ismaël Bennacer returning from injury, Milan already possess a developmental project in the position. Adding another would clog the pathway and contradict the streamlined squad vision featured in recent AC Milan transfer news briefings.

Locker-room dynamics

Xhaka’s arrival would instantly upgrade dressing-room leadership, complementing veterans like Giroud and Simon Kjær. The former Arsenal man is multilingual, comfortable under media glare and familiar with high-pressure run-ins—traits Pioli values as Milan juggle league, cup and European duties. Guerra, while less experienced, is renowned for professionalism and a willingness to learn English and Italian, easing cultural assimilation. These soft factors increasingly influence AC Milan transfer news because the club’s American ownership emphasizes holistic fit as much as statistics.

Long-term implications for the Rossoneri

Securing Xhaka or Guerra would likely close Milan’s midfield window for the next two years, allowing Moncada to pivot resources toward a right-wing upgrade and a young centre-back. Failure to land either could push Milan back into the January bargain bin, where names like Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika have been loosely mentioned in peripheral AC Milan transfer news rumours. With Juventus and Inter setting a fierce pace atop Serie A, hesitation could prove costly.

Timeline and next steps

Negotiators hope to finalise a verbal framework with Leverkusen before the Bundesliga pauses for winter break on 20 December. That schedule aligns with Milan’s internal deadline to register new players for the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh. Should talks stall, Valencia officials have already granted permission for Milan to meet Guerra’s representatives, keeping leverage alive. Expect daily AC Milan transfer news updates as deadlines loom.

Opinion: Xhaka feels like the prudent compromise

From a purely sporting standpoint, Granit Xhaka offers the lowest-risk, highest-impact solution. He would step straight into Pioli’s XI, freeing Ruben Loftus-Cheek to play advanced roles and allowing Bennacer to rotate rather than rush. Financially, a well-structured package stays within budget and retains flexibility for summer moves. Guerra’s ceiling is undeniably enticing, but Milan’s current window for success is “now,” not “in three years.” If Leverkusen’s asking price truly dips below €20 million, the Rossoneri should pull the trigger and end this chapter of AC Milan transfer news on a triumphant note.