Arsenal fans stunned as Xhaka aims shock dig at Gunners

Cameron Smith

30 Jul 2024 19:30 BST
3 min read

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has taken aim at his former club following his move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

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The Switzerland international won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal during his debut season at Leverkusen and has now aimed a dig at Arsenal.

He told Bild: “The move from Arsenal to Leverkusen was not a step back, but rather two steps forward.”

Despite Arsenal’s status as one of the biggest clubs in world football, and their resurgence under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners haven’t won the Premier League since 2004, while they have never won a European trophy.

Xhaka is one of several players to taste glory after leaving the club, along with the likes of Robin van Persie, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Olivier Giroud and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The 31-year-old won four trophies during a seven-year stint at Arsenal, but his comments suggest that he believes Leverkusen have a higher pedigree than the north London giants.

Xhaka made 50 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in his first campaign at the club, contributing six goals and assists as he became a fundamental player under Xabi Alonso.

© IMAGO - Granit Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023

Arsenal’s summer transfer business

After selling Xhaka for just €15 million last summer, Arsenal recruited Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to fill the void left by the Swiss star, and they subsequently finished runners-up to Premier League champions Manchester City.

This year, Arteta’s side have strengthened by signing David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

In regards to outgoings, Emile Smith Rowe is on the verge of joining Fulham for an initial €32m, while Mohamed Elneny, Cedric Soares and Arthur Okonkwo have already left permanently.

In addition, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have joined Lazio and Sevilla on loan respectively.

Read more about: Bundesliga, Premier League, Arsenal, Bayer 04, Granit Xhaka