Bayer Leverkusen are closing in on a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist claims that the transfer is moving into its “final stages” after the Swiss international agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga side:
Bayer Leverkusen hope to get Granit Xhaka deal done in June after personal terms agreed on contract valid until 2027. Talks will move to final stages soon. 🚨🔴 #AFC
Arsenal will insist on Declan Rice deal, main priority; still waiting on West Ham to decide final price tag. pic.twitter.com/77d1HPIzuZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2023
With Xhaka seemingly poised to leave the Emirates at the end of the season, there have been mixed reactions to his impending departure from supporters on Twitter. Some have thanked him for his years of service and are sad to see him go, whilst others feel it is the right time to part ways:
My heart is forever sad
— Saraa🍋🐍 (@saXaa34) May 16, 2023
He deserves a new challenge, this has been his best season in the Arsenal shirt, we thank him for his services but we need an upgrade
— Mugwanya Kenneth 🇺🇬 (@KenK256) May 16, 2023
Wish him well
— Oluwatosin (@quadri_tosi) May 16, 2023
Decent player and captain at times will be missed but needs to be improved on
— Mahir (@MahirGone) May 16, 2023
I will so much miss him, no one to help the young lads when they are being bullied anymore 🤦🏿♂️
— RASHIDI💫 (@ArepoDayour) May 16, 2023
Proud of the memories he had with us and how it ended, would have been epic if we won the league with him
— kola_porth (@ahm_kolade) May 16, 2023
Needed an upgrade but he'll be missed
— AFC JABALI 🔴⚪🇰🇪 (@AFCJabali) May 16, 2023
Good luck too him he’s been brilliant this season
— boxingfellas (@boxingfellas) May 16, 2023
You do feel that it is Xhaka who is pressing for a transfer rather than the Gunners pushing him out of the door. There have been a couple of reasons suggested why the 30-year-old is deciding to move clubs this summer.
There have been claims that his wife is keen on returning to Germany and that has played a big role in the player accepting Leverkusen’s offer. Another factor could be that he is in the last year of his contract with Arsenal and, with the club reluctant to hand him an extension, he has opted to leave now rather than running down his current deal.
