As well, swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has cut ties with Arsenal to join German side Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.4m deal.
Though the 30-year-old signed for Arsenal in 2016 with one year remaining on his contract, however, the Gunners were expected to let him go as they were trying to sign England international Declan Rice.
“At Granit we have been able to bring in an absolutely top player,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said in a club statement.
What did the Arsenal manager say about Granit Xhaka?
Xhaka, who initially joined Arsenal in 2016 and briefly captained the team in 2019, had one year left on his contract, but he was expected to leave this summer. During his time at Arsenal, Xhaka scored 23 goals in 297 appearances, helping the club win the FA Cup twice and finish runners-up in the Premier League the previous season.
Moreover, Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal marks the end of his seven-year spell at the club, during which he experienced ups and downs. Despite a turbulent relationship with some fans, which he peaked at in October 2019 when he decided to leave, Xhaka’s performances on the pitch have seen admirable redemption under Mikel Arteta.
“We say goodbye to a wonderful player and someone we all love,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. “It’s been an incredible journey for him, and he’s given absolutely everything for this club.”
The Last Word:
Therefore, Xhaka’s desire for a fresh start prompted his decision to seek new opportunities in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly close to finalizing a significant deal to sign England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham in a bid to effectively bolster his midfield options.
The possible arrival of Rice gives manager Arteta a versatile and talented player and would boost Arsenal’s midfield. The Gunners are keen to strengthen their squad for next season, and securing the signing of Rice would go a long way towards achieving their goals of returning to fitness both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League respectively.
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