Premier League giants Arsenal have, on Thursday, announced the departure of a long-time member of the club’s midfield ranks.
The player in question? Granit Xhaka.
It has of course long been common knowledge that Swiss international Xhaka was inching towards the Emirates exit door.
This came amid efforts on the part of Edu Gaspar and co. to completely rejuvenate the engine room setup under the watch of Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice’s arrival from West Ham United is understood to be imminent, with Arsenal expected to tie up a deal for a 2nd midfielder before the summer is out, too.
Declan Rice to Arsenal, here we go! Deal in place between Arsenal & West Ham and Gunners sign their top target. 🚨🔴⚪️ #AFC
£100m plus £5m add ons. It’s the most expensive signing ever for Arsenal and most expensive English player ever.
Arteta & Edu, crucial to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/w0OApXoTwD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023
With Thomas Partey still on the books in north London, this left Xhaka as something of an odd man out.
As per a statement across the Gunners’ official website and social media platforms:
‘Granit Xhaka has joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent transfer.
‘Everyone at Arsenal thanks Granit for his contribution during his seven years with us and wish him and his family the best of health and happiness in the future.’
297 appearances. 23 goals. 29 assists. Two FA Cups. And one inspirational story.
Granit Xhaka: forever a part of the Arsenal family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gbgRVicFiM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2023
Arsenal, according to widespread reports, are understood to have pocketed a respectable €25 million from Xhaka’s sale.
The 30-year-old, meanwhile, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
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