Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League, has reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Granit Xhaka, as reported by Sky Sports. The transfer fee is around £17 million, consisting of an initial £13 million with potential add-ons of up to £4 million. Sunderland finalized personal terms with the former Arsenal midfielder last week, and the 32-year-old is set to sign a three-year contract, bringing valuable experience to their midfield. The Premier League newcomers increased their total offer by £7 million to finalize the transaction, and Xhaka has been granted permission to travel to the UK for a medical examination. He arrived on a private jet Monday evening and was seen disembarking alongside Sunderland owner Kyril Louis Dreyfus. Last season, Xhaka played in 33 Bundesliga matches, scoring two goals and assisting on seven. Prior to his transfer to Leverkusen, he made 297 appearances for Arsenal, netting 23 goals and providing 26 assists. In comments made last week, Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag indicated that Granit Xhaka would not be leaving the club after the departures of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, as well as Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich. “This club has already let go of three key players,” the former Manchester United manager stated. “We cannot afford to lose any more players; it’s simply not feasible.” This would overlook the team’s dynamics and culture. It’s evident that Granit possesses leadership qualities. He signed a five-year contract and currently has three years remaining on it. “We can’t afford to lose him; he’s too valuable to us.”