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Granit Xhaka reveals reason for Arsenal exit.
Granit Xhaka denied claims that his partner’s desire to leave England motivated his switch from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen.
After a stellar season for the Gunners, in which he helped them finish second and qualify for the Champions League, Xhaka agreed to a €25 million transfer to North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.
As Mikel Arteta reorganizes his midfield in preparation for the 2023–24 season, Declan Rice might be signed by Arsenal for a British transfer record sum at the time of his departure.
There have been allegations that Xhaka, 30, left because his wife was unhappy in England, but he has refuted that theory.
Xhaka told Keystone-SDA: “There was speculation everywhere that my wife was no longer happy in England. That is not at all true.
“The fact is that as a person I am always interested in new challenges. After seven years, the time has come for something completely new.
“The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes [sporting director] and Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100% in line with me.”
By joining Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, the Switzerland international ended a seven-year, inconsistent run with the Arsenal. He made 297 appearances for the north London team, twice winning the FA Cup, and registered 23 goals.
After being shunned by Unai Emery after storming off the field and losing the club leadership in 2019, Xhaka won over Arsenal fans by developing into a crucial component under Mikel Arteta.