Granit Xhaka has hinted that his Arsenal exit may be confirmed next week, shutting down suggestions that his wife is behind a looming return to Germany. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a £15million move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer and Sunday’s 5-0 win over Wolves appeared to be a farewell appearance for the 30-year-old. Xhaka netted twice in the first half and looked emotional when he was withdrawn in the 75th minute, receiving a standing ovation from supporters. When he left the stadium later in his car, Xhaka was asked about his future and while he stopped short of outright confirming his departure, he suggested an announcement was imminent and hit back at claims his wife – who is from Germany – was behind the move to Leverkusen.
Manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Xhaka and when asked about the reception he received from fans, he said: ‘Well deserved, he’s had an incredible season. I think one year back I spoke to him and I told him, “Question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better, I’m going to challenge you to play here”. And I think he went back and started to train the next day, and he came to pre-season 4kg less, fit, with this [determined] face and really willing to do it. He’s been exceptional, he’s been a key part of the team and the team’s success and I am so happy that everybody is appreciating what he has done.’ Granit Xhaka has hinted that his Arsenal exit may be confirmed next week, with the midfielder teasing the possibility of a move to Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka has been heavily linked with a £15million move to the German side this summer and Sunday’s 5-0 win over Wolves appeared to be a farewell appearance for the 30-year-old. After full-time, Xhaka notably hung back behind the rest of the squad with his family, appearing to savour the Emirates atmosphere one last time. When he left the stadium later in his car, Xhaka was asked about his future and while he stopped short of outright confirming his departure, he suggested an announcement was imminent and hit back at claims his wife – who is from Germany – was behind the move to Leverkusen.
Manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Xhaka and said: ‘Well deserved, he’s had an incredible season. I think one year back I spoke to him and I told him, “Question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better, I’m going to challenge you to play here”. And I think he went back and started to train the next day, and he came to pre-season 4kg less, fit, with this [determined] face and really willing to do it. He’s been exceptional, he’s been a key part of the team and the team’s success and I am so happy that everybody is appreciating what he has done.’ Granit Xhaka has hinted that his Arsenal exit may be confirmed next week, with the midfielder teasing the possibility of a move to Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka has been heavily linked with a £15million move to the German side this summer and Sunday’s 5-0 win over Wolves appeared to be a farewell appearance for him. After full-time, Xhaka hung back behind the rest of the squad with his family, appearing to savour the Emirates atmosphere one last time. When he left the stadium later in his car, Xhaka was asked about his future and while he stopped short of outright confirming his departure, he suggested an announcement was imminent and hit back at claims his wife – who is from Germany – was behind the move to Leverkusen.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Xhaka for his performance over the season saying: ‘Well deserved, he’s had an incredible season. I think one year back I spoke to him and I told him, “Question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better, I’m going to challenge you to play here”. And I think he went back and started to train the next day, and he came to pre-season 4kg less, fit, with this [determined] face and really willing to do it. He’s been exceptional, he’s been a key part of the team and the team’s success and I am so happy that everybody is appreciating what he has done.’ Granit Xhaka has hinted that his Arsenal exit may be confirmed next week, teasing the