Granit Xhaka is closing in on a £21.5 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen football.london understands.
Reports had previously suggested that the Swiss international was set join Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £13m. Now though, it is thought that the two clubs are thought to have agreed a €25m fee that will see the 30-year-old secure a return to the Bundesliga.
Xhaka was a key player for Arsenal last season scoring nine goals and grabbing seven assists in a more advanced role. The Swiss international has just 12 months remaining on his contract as things stand though and the decision has been taken to cash in. After weeks of speculation it is now thought that Xhaka will seal his move to Germany in the coming days.
The progression of the move is not understood to be related to the transfer of Declan Rice. Arsenal remain in negotiations with West Ham over the structuring of a deal that will see the England international arrive in north London for a fee of up to £105m - a record for a British player.
This will mark another addition to Mikel Arteta's midfield options after the Gunners secured a £65m deal for Chelsea's Kai Havertz. The German international was earmarked as a target for his versatility, but it is understood that he will primarily operate in midfield at the Emirates. Meanwhile football.london understands that positive talks continue with Ajax over a move for Jurrien Timber.
Xhaka's departure will bring his seven-year stay in north London to an end. Across his time with Arsenal the Swiss international made 297 appearances, scoring three goals. His time with the Gunners appeared to be over after he was stripped of the captaincy following an incident during a match with Crystal Palace at the Emirates in 2019.
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Since the arrival of Arteta though, the 30-year-old has found a new lease of life, and reached levels few thought were possible this season. "He did what he needed to do and he has done it the whole season," Arteta said of Xhaka after Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Wolves on the final day of the season. "He has been magnificent for us. I had the opportunity to say thank you. He is a player who had a special story and he has been integral."
