Leverkusen and Arsenal reach Xhaka agreement

Having agreed the transfer of Declan Rice from West Ham, Arsenal have given the green light for Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Bundesliga club will pay a fee of €25 million for the services of the experienced Switzerland international. A five-year contract awaits Xhaka’s signature at the BayArena.

Xhaka spent seven seasons with the Gunners. His form and significance for the team hasn’t always been of the same level, but he played a vital role in Arsenal’s ultimately doomed Premier League title charge in 2022/23 as manager Mikel Arteta put his tactical flexibility to good use. In all competitions, Xhaka made a total of 297 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 23 goals and producing 29 assists, and won two FA Cups along with two Community Shields.

Before arriving to North London, the 30-year-old midfielder spent four years at Borussia Monchengladbach, which obviously means he shouldn’t find adapting to the German top flight too difficult.

Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen, here we go! Agreement reached in May now being signed between clubs — green light arrived after Rice deal done. 🚨🔴⚫️ #transfers

Arsenal will receive €25m fee for Xhaka.

Understand Granit will sign until June 2028, five year deal.

Done. ✔️ pic.twitter.com/qoUmfqRQJ7

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2023