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Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed reports that the club has received a concrete bid for midfielder Granit Xhaka, who just so happens to be Arsenal's most prominent transfer target so far this (brief) offseason. Eberl declined to name the bidder, and he maintained that no agreement was completed, but German paper (and noted fairly reliable Gladbach source) RP Online says they've got intel that it was Arsenal – and that the bid is €43 million plus bonuses. That's around what John Cross said yesterday, so maybe that checks out after all!
If you're concerned this is an attempt to start a bidding war, well:
It's less about attracting other clubs to Xhaka & more not being ripped off for replacements because you've lost 2 MF's in the same summer.
— Sultan (@DieFohlen) May 17, 2016
A lot of tidbits of Xhaka news have come out today, so it's conceivable that the claim the deal could be done within a matter of days wasn't total hogwash. It is, of course, also conceivable that a Source or Sources are blowing up all of Europe's soccer journalists trying to push an agenda, so as always I'll say don't get too crazy until something's done for real. But honestly, the past 24 hours or so are making it look like this one could actually be a thing.
UPDATE:
The official Gladbach website is now also reporting this.
Offer made for Xhaka, agreement pending
The Foals then took the cable car to the very top of Mount Pilatus. Some fans and numerous media representatives accompanied the team. The journalists were particularly interested in Granit Xhaka. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that an offer had been made for the Swiss midfielder. However, they were yet to come to an agreement with the interested club. Xhaka predominantly answered questions on the upcoming European Championship but also revealed what he thought of the team’s journey to the summit. “It’s my first time here. Unfortunately the weather is not great but I think it’s a unique experience nevertheless,” said Xhaka.
That seems like a good sign!