Granit Xhaka may leave the club this summer after he pulled out of contract discussions.
The midfielder has decided not to pursue fresh contract discussions with the club, instead choosing to evaluate his alternatives abroad. Xhaka’s contract at Arsenal is expiring at the end of 2024. Arsenal is eager to keep him after being glad by his approach both on and off the field this season.
However, Arsenal have acknowledged that Xhaka’s future lies outside of the Emirates Stadium. The negotiations have begun between the club and Bayer Leverkusen over a trade for around €15 million.
Granit Xhaka set to leave Arsenal with £13m Bayer Leverkusen links in hand
A number of Bundesliga teams, notably previous club Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund, have expressed interest in Xhaka. But sources have revealed that a transfer to Leverkusen is the player’s preferred choice.
Leverkusen are now pushing hard to complete a deal. They are keeping the negotiations intensifying in recent days after the midfielder informed them of his preference.
The conflict is ‘amicable,’ and Arsenal felt proud to approve a deal after learning that Xhaka saw his future elsewhere.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to keep Xhaka because of the influence he has in the dressing room. But he has supported the club’s decision to let him go. Xhaka was on the verge of quitting Arsenal in 2019 after being booed off the field and subsequently stripped of the leadership. But Arteta played a key role in keeping him there.
Xhaka claims that the only reason he stayed at Arsenal was because of Arteta: “There was one guy [who wanted me to stay], his name is Mikel Arteta,” Xhaka remarked.
“No matter what happens, I will always be there for him.” I am certain that I would not be in the club without him.
“He is aware of this; we have a very good and honest relationship.” Whatever happens on the field, I will never be against him or say anything negative about him. He not only merits my respect, but also the respect of my family. I had left. I didn’t want to put on the garment any longer. He inspired me to try it again.”
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