-
Granit Xhaka set to seal Arsenal departure to Bayer Leverkusen.
According to reports, Granit Xhaka’s move from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen will be confirmed imminently.
The Swiss international has had his greatest season in England over the past two seasons, helping his team finish fifth and second in the Premier League, after first becoming something of a pariah at the Gunners.
Xhaka’s approach during the 2022–23 season had impressed Arsenal, who wanted to keep him, but the midfielder walked away from contract negotiations and was later informed that he may leave north London this summer.
Xhaka’s contract with Arsenal had one year remaining, but it will soon be official that he has joined Bayer Leverkusen.
The Bundesliga team, who finished sixth in 2022–23, put together a deal for the 30-year-old who scored 23 goals in 297 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.
As they prepare for life without Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund had already considered a deal for Xhaka, and Borussia Monchengladbach was also interested in reconnecting with their former player.
As Arsenal prepares to welcome Declan Rice, a standout for West Ham and England, to the Emirates, Xhaka will depart.
Arsenal will pay £105 million for the winner of the Europa Conference League, making him the most expensive player in British football ever. The two clubs have agreed on a payment mechanism.
Rivals Manchester City had earlier put out a £90 million plan, but withdrew after the Arsenal overtook them with a nine-figure offer.
The addition of Rice would enhance Arsenal’s successful summer thus far. While Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Bukayo Saka just received new contracts, Chelsea added Kai Havertz.