Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is in advanced talks to sign for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window, football.london understands
The 30-year-old Swiss international had recently been linked with a surprising summer exit given the Gunners' lack of depth in midfield. German outfit Bayer Leverkusen were the main club linked to signing Xhaka with manager Xabi Alonso very keen on the move.
A transfer to Leverkusen is now on the verge of being completed which would see Xhaka sign for a €15million (£13million) deal and sign a contract until 2027.
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Xhaka has scored seven goals and grabbed seven assists from 45 appearances in all competitions this season. Remaining at Emirates Stadium beyond the summer would have seen Xhaka enter the final 12 months of his contract, with the club also holding an option to extend that by another 12 months
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was recently asked about his contract situation and reports linking his vice captain with a move to Germany. "Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different in terms of timing but the clarity is there," he told reporters.
"We have communicated to each of them what the intentions are and we are trying to get that done as quickly as possible but respecting and not losing any focus on what is the real deal right now."
The Spaniard added: "As you can understand I'm not going to be replying to certain stories. I'm extremely happy with Granit, I think he is having an incredible season, probably the best season he has had at the club and we are really happy to have him."
Arteta is aware of the decision, and Xhaka himself remains focused on the final two games of Arsenal's 2022/23 campaign.
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