Arsenal set to cash in on Xhaka as transfer saga nears conclusion

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 4 Jul 2023 06:50 BST
• 4 min read

Granit Xhaka is reportedly close to leaving Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen, after months of uncertainty over his future.

The Switzerland midfielder, 30, has been linked with Leverkusen for some time, and the two clubs appear to have finally agreed a fee.

Should Xhaka leave the Emirates Stadium, it will bring the curtain down on a seven-year association with the Gunners – who he joined from another Bundesliga outfit, Borussia Monchengladbach, back in the summer of 2016.

MORE: Arsenal to wrap up FOUR major deals this week

According to football.london, Leverkusen are on the verge of sealing a €25m (£21.5m) deal for Xhaka – whose Arsenal contract is up in 12 months’ time.

Previously club captain, Xhaka has enjoyed a renaissance in recent seasons, producing consistently strong performances last term as the Gunners came close to winning the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.

The former Basel youngster has made 297 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 23 goals – including nine in 2022/23, his highest ever total in a single season.

His seemingly imminent departure could coincide with the arrival of Declan Rice in North London – with Arsenal looking likely to secure the West Ham captain’s signature any day now.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers | All the Done Deals

Done deals and deals yet to be done

Arsenal have sold just the one senior player so far this transfer window, with Pablo Mari heading to Monza of Serie A – while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the biggest name among 10 players released.

In terms of inbound business, Kai Havertz is the sole new arrival so far, completing a £65m switch from Chelsea.

But it could yet be a very busy summer for Arteta and co, as the Gunners look to bolster their squad in readiness for their first Champions League campaign since 2016/17.