10 May 2023 , 23:35
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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been linked with an Emirates exit after seven years at the club and his wife Leonita may hold the cards to his club future.
The previously much-maligned midfielder has enjoyed a transformational season at the heart of the Gunners midfield and played a vital role in Mikel Arteta's system and Arsenal's title charge. Xhaka earned plenty of plaudits for his most recent display at Newcastle and has also managed to increase his goal tally this term.
Therefore, it comes as quite the shock that the 30-year-old is now being touted with a return to the Bundesliga amid interest from Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka's current Arsenal deal expires next summer, meaning this coming window presents the Gunners' last chance to recoup any kind of fee for the Switzerland international.
The news comes just days after it was reported that Arteta plans to sign two new midfielders this summer with both West Ham captain Declan Rice and Brighton star Moises Caicedo rumoured targets.
To fund such a project, it is likely that Arsenal will have to part ways with some key figures of the current crop.
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If both were to arrive at the Emirates in the upcoming transfer window, it would have a significant impact on Xhaka's playing time now that he'd be forced to share minutes with two gifted midfielders significantly younger than him.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Arsenal be making a mistake by letting Xhaka leave? Comment below
Arsenal could be willing to sell Granit Xhaka this summer (Getty Images)One factor that has only emerged recently is Xhaka's personal situation, amid claims his wife has grown tired of living in London and is keen on a return to Germany.
The pair met while Xhaka was plying his trade for Borussia Monchengladbach prior to his move to Arsenal and according German news outlet Kicker, wife Leonita has wanted to move back for a long while.
The Mirror previously reported how Leverkusen tried to land Xhaka's signature last summer, but failed. Despite the pair enjoying a great relationship, boss Arteta is not expected to stand in the midfielder's way if he does wish to depart.
Some Arsenal fans have claimed that while Xhaka has enjoyed his best season in the famous red and white shirt, the Gunners will need an upgrade if they are to go one better and steal Manchester City's Premier League crown next season.
It is unclear if Leverkusen would be willing to match Arsenal's asking price of £13million, but could be tempted by a player-plus-cash deal.
That is a significant development considering Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.