Two-time Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld believes the German champions are targeting Arsenal man Granit Xhaka as a Xabi Alonso replacement.
Alonso last week confirmed that he will be retiring from the game at the end of the season, sparking speculation as to who Bayern will sign to cover the Spaniard’s departure.
And Hitzfeld believes the Bundesliga giants will look to bring Xhaka back from England after a solitary season at the Emirates.
Telling German publication Bild, the 68-year-old said: “Bavaria certainly has Xhaka on the radar.
“Xhaka is always a topic of conversation for current top clubs and his development is not yet completed.”
Xhaka, 24, joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer for £35m, but has failed to have the desired impact.
Indeed, he has started just 16 Premier League games since his move to the north London side, returning a WhoScored rating of just 6.84.
That, though, is unlikely to deter Bayern, who can utilise the Switzerland international's range of passing to good effect.
For more stats on Granit Xhaka, click here to view his WhoScored player page
