End of an era as Granit Xhaka confirms decision to leave Arsenal

News has emerged about how Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka will be leaving the North London club at the end of this season.  It is said that the Swiss national team captain is set to return to Germany to Bayer Leverkusen.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and Xhaka don’t have any plans to renew his contract. Therefore there are no ongoing contract negotiations with him. 

It’s also understood that the German club will sign him for about 15 million euros. Personal terms between the club and player are almost agreed.

“Granit Xhaka, set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season. No negotiations over a new deal and plan to part ways in June. #AFC Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to sign him — €15m fee. Understand personal terms are almost agreed over a four year deal — June 2027.”

Xhaka has had a mixed time at Arsenal and it has been quite a rollercoaster. He was signed by Arsene Wenger for 30 million pounds in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach. The number 34 has won 2 FA Cups and 2 Community Shields with the Premier League club.

Apparently he was at one time the club’s captain but fell out with the fans under Unai Emery. “In the match against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on 27 October 2019, Xhaka was at the center of criticism after being substituted off in the 61st minute.^[36] The incident began when a portion of Arsenal fans started to cheer when his name was called to be replaced. He was booed as he walked off the pitch, and responded by making several sarcastic gestures and angrily saying “fuck off” twice to the fans who jeered his name. He also removed his jersey before walking straight down the tunnel.”

He would later be stripped of the captaincy which was handed to striker Aubameyang.