Granit Xhaka Set to Leave Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen in £21.5 Million Transfer
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to depart the club after seven years in north London, with a move to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £21.5 million reportedly close to completion. The experienced Swiss international enjoyed a renaissance last season, playing a vital role in the Gunners’ unlikely Premier League title challenge.
Mikel Arteta had been keen to retain the services of one of his most trusted lieutenants, but Xhaka is keen for a new challenge and is set to return to the Bundesliga where he made his name at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Kai Havertz has been bought from Chelsea to play in the role Xhaka occupied last term, but even with the return of Mohamed Elneny from a long-term injury, Arsenal are still short of midfield options.
Arsenal Interested in Signing Southampton’s Romeo Lavia
Arsenal have shown a significant interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but he is valued at around £50m. Liverpool and Chelsea are also plotting a move for the former Manchester City starlet whom Pep Guardiola admitted he did not want to sell earlier this year.
Given the asking price and competition for Lavia’s services, Arsenal are considering alternative options and have held talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs. According to Sky Germany, Arteta is said to be a keen admirer of a player who has been capped 10 times by the German national team. The 26-year-old’s contract expires next summer and could provide a cheap option for Arsenal who are primed to spend in excess of £200m this summer, half of which will go on the imminent signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.
Granit Xhaka’s Departure Leaves Arsenal Short of Midfield Options
Granit Xhaka’s imminent departure from Arsenal leaves the club short of midfield options. Mikel Arteta had been keen on retaining the services of one of his most trusted lieutenants, despite his plans to oversee an overhaul of his midfield engine room this summer. Thomas Partey’s future is also a matter of conjecture with several Serie A and Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs interested in his services, while Albert Sambi Lokonga appears likely to join Burnley on loan.
Arsenal have shown a significant interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but he is valued at around £50m. Liverpool and Chelsea are also plotting a move for the former Manchester City starlet whom Pep Guardiola admitted he did not want to sell earlier this year. Given the asking price and competition for Lavia’s services, Arsenal are considering alternative options and have held talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs.
Conclusion
Granit Xhaka’s imminent departure from Arsenal leaves the club short of midfield options. Mikel Arteta had been keen on retaining the services of one of his most trusted lieutenants, despite his plans to oversee an overhaul of his midfield engine room this summer. The Gunners have shown a significant interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but he is valued at around £50m. Given the asking price and competition for Lavia’s services, Arsenal are considering alternative options and have held talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs.
Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen marks the end of an era for the Swiss international who has been an integral part of the Arsenal team since 2013. He will be remembered fondly by fans for his leadership and commitment on the pitch, and his departure leaves Arsenal with a big hole to fill in their midfield.