Granit Xhaka, the Swiss international and a key player for Arsenal, has hinted at his imminent departure from the club. This comes amidst strong rumours linking him with a move to Bayer Leverkusen in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Final Game
The final game of the Premier League season against Wolves was a memorable one for Xhaka. He scored twice in the first 15 minutes, contributing to a comfortable 5-0 win for Arsenal. Substituted in the 75th minute, Xhaka received a standing ovation from the home fans at the Emirates Stadium, who chanted “we want you to stay”. This could well be a goodbye, given the strong rumours of a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Hint
After the game, Xhaka was stopped by fans seeking autographs. When asked about his future, Xhaka replied, “You will see next week what happens.” This statement has further fuelled the speculation about his departure.
The Reason
Recent reports suggested that Xhaka’s wife, Leonita Lekaj, was pushing for a return to her homeland, Germany. However, Xhaka dismissed these claims, stating, “It’s not about the missus.” Xhaka met his wife while playing for Borussia Monchengladbach, a club he left in 2016 to join Arsenal.
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The Future
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has remained tight-lipped about Xhaka’s exit. However, he praised Xhaka’s performance this season, stating, “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.”
With Arsenal reportedly targeting West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, the possibility of Xhaka’s departure seems more likely. As the summer transfer window approaches, the future of Xhaka at Arsenal remains uncertain.