25 May 2023 , 11:24
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Granit Xhaka is gearing up to play what many believe will be his last game in an Arsenal shirt on Sunday as the midfielder prepares to bid farewell to the Emirates after a seven-year stay.
The Switzerland international has divided opinion throughout his time in north London but has won over a large portion of the Arsenal faithful in recent seasons off the back of his drastically improved performances under Mikel Arteta.
Some may question why now of all times, just as he starts to become a fan-favourite, has Xhaka opted to call time on his Arsenal career. However, reports suggest that his family have a desire to leave London and return to Germany, where the 30-year-old has a history from his time at Borussia Monchengladbach.
This time though, he is expected to don the shirt of Bayer Leverkusen, who are currently under the guidance of Xabi Alonso - a close friend of Gunners boss Arteta.
Xhaka's exit would mark another departure from players signed during the Arsene Wenger era, with Alexandre Lacazette leaving the club last summer.
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The Frenchman is currently enjoying a stellar season in front of goal for Lyon but is seemingly still longing for the Emirates if comments from Rob Holding are to be believed.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Xhaka be making a mistake by leaving Arsenal? Comment below
Granit Xhaka could leave Arsenal this summer (Getty Images)Speaking to Arsenal's official website, Holding revealed that he had been in communication with Lacazette after the pair crossed paths when the Gunners faced Lyon in a mid-season friendly tournament out in Dubai late last year.
"Yes, I saw Laca a couple of weeks ago," Holding explained, "And we spoke about what it's like there compared to Arsenal. Lyon's his home club of course, and he knows it really well, but he was telling me how much he loved his time at Arsenal.
"Actually a couple of months ago he texted me to tell me to enjoy my time at Arsenal because it's a step above everywhere else.
"He said to me to stay at the club if you can because the grass isn't always greener elsewhere and to enjoy being at a club like Arsenal. It was really nice to hear that from someone at a different club."
Xhaka may want to sit up and take notice of Holding's exchange with Lacazette, especially given Arsenal appear to be a club on the up after finishing second this term.
Leaving behind the manager that has got the best football out of him may not be the inspired decision Xhaka thinks. Even if things go well in Leverkusen like they are for Lacazette at Lyon, the sense of longing for Arsenal may never leave him.