Granit Xhaka could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer. He has been at the Emirates for 7 years. His time at Arsenal was nothing short of events. Once it was looking like he was on his way out in 2020. This came after he threw away the captain’s armband. Things cooled down since as Arteta revived his career. Now Arteta feels like he needs to go inorder for Arsenal to progress.
Granit Xhaka and his move out of Arsenal looks likely than ever
Granit Xhaka is poised to leave Arsenal at the end of the season and Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to sign the midfielder for €15m (£13m). The 30-year-old’s contract expires in June 2024. There are no negotiations over an extension. With a parting of ways planned seven years after Xhaka joined from another German club, Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Xhaka has played a major role in Arsenal’s title push, starting 34 of their 36 Premier League games and coming on as a substitute in one.The midfielder’s contribution amounted to “probably the best season he has had at the club”, Mikel Arteta said last Friday, but manager and player accept this is a good moment for the relationship to end. Xhaka has faced fierce criticism from Arsenal fans at times during his stay but he intends to depart on a positive note.
A deal is not yet finalised but Xhaka is ready to leave if Arsenal are not willing to offer him a new, longer-term contract. The Gunners are looking to overhaul their midfield this summer and have targeted West Ham’s Declan Rice. Although the England international is likely to cost £100m or more.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is another option under consideration. The club have taken the view that they will not offer Xhaka fresh terms and sources have told ESPN that in that scenario, he would rather move on to the next phase of his career than see out the final year of his contract in north London.
