Arsenal star in 'ADVANCED TALKS' to leave Gunners

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:37 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is on his way to Bayer Leverkusen, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Rumours linking the Swiss international to a Bundesliga return surfaced in the German media in recent weeks, claiming that the 30-year-old was keen to move back to the Rhineland as his wife had become homesick. Now, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach man appears to be indeed on his way back to the German top flight.

Xhaka was often a controversial figure at Arsenal. The Swiss arrived for €45 million in 2016, but he didn't always live up to his price tag before Mikel Arteta took the reins at the Emirates. Indeed, the Gunners faithful booed him as he was coming off the pitch in 2019 to which Xhaka reacted by cupping his ear and hurling expletives.

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Under Arteta, however, Xhaka became a key cog in what was until recently a well-oiled machine. The midfielder evolved into a leader and a pivotal player under the Spaniard, rebuilding his reputation in the process. Certain sections of the Arsenal fanbase undoubtedly won't be thrilled to see such an instrumental player depart.

Advanced negotiations

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal never made much of an effort to keep the 30-year-old and he will depart for a fee in the region of €15m. Leverkusen, Arsenal and Xhaka are already in 'advanced negotiations' over a move, says the Italian. The length of the contract - until 2027 - is said to be particularly attractive to the midfielder.

Back in the Rhineland, Xhaka will join a Leverkusen project that could be quite exciting next season. Coach Xabi Alonso is keen to remould the side and move away from the counter-attacking football typical of the Werkself in recent years to a more possession-oriented approach.

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Young Brazilian right-back Arthur and Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo have already joined the German side, though there will likely also be high-profile departures with Moussa Diaby potentially heading the other way and joining the Gunners, while Jeremie Frimpong has often been linked with Manchester United.