Bayer Leverkusen are all set to complete the signing of 30-year-old Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka by this week.
According to Rheinische Post, Bayer Leverkusen are keen on acquiring the services of Granit Xhaka, and a deal is all set to be completed by the end of this week. The 30-year-old’s future at Arsenal has been uncertain ever since the 2022/23 season ended. And finally, he is all set to return to the Bundesliga.
Xhaka came through the ranks at FC Basel before joining Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach. He enjoyed four successful seasons in Germany before making the switch to Arsenal back in the summer of 2016.
The Swiss international’s time at Arsenal has been full of ups and downs. He has been in exceptional form at times and at times, the 30-year-old has found himself on the bench for an extended run of games. He was even the club captain at one point in time.
As far as the recently-concluded season is concerned, the former Borussia Monchengladbach star featured in a total of 47 matches and was on the pitch for over 3,700 minutes. He contributed with nine goals and seven assists.
Despite all the ups and downs, the 30-year-old remained an integral part of their first team and he has been a great servant for the club. With his contract running out in 2024, the Gunners decided to offload him in the ongoing summer rather than lose out on him for free.
His move to Bayer Leverkusen has been certain since the end of May. But there have been no movements over the past month as Arsenal look to sign a replacement. The Gunners are all set to complete a record-breaking deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.
With Rice all set to join Arteta’s ranks, Xhaka’s exit should be finalised by this week. Xabi Alonso is keen on strengthening his midfield and the 30-year-old is his first choice in the centre of the park. As per the report, his contract will run until the summer of 2027, and there will be an option to switch to a coaching role post-retirement.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the transfer fee involved has risen from €15 million to €25 million. While those reports are not certain, one thing is certain that is Xhaka’s transfer to Leverkusen will be completed this week.
