French network "Foot Mercato" revealed that Saudi Neom has placed Granit Xhaka, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, at the top of its list of targets for the current summer transfer window.

The network clarified that the 32-year-old Swiss player is preparing to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, but he has not yet decided on his next destination. It pointed out that Milan was previously the closest to signing him before its interest shifted recently to a move to Juventus.

The report added that Saudi Neom has entered the race strongly to sign Xhaka, making him a priority in the club's plans after its rise to the Roshen Professional League, as part of efforts to strengthen the team's roster with distinguished signings.

Neom recently announced several signings, most notably the contracts with Marcin Bulka and Alexandre Lacazette, alongside coach Christophe Galtier.

It is worth mentioning that Xhaka participated with Bayer Leverkusen in 49 matches last season, during which he scored two goals and assisted seven others.