Arsenal confirm Granit Xhaka exit as Mikel Arteta U-turns on Declan Rice stance

06 July 2023 , 16:40

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Arsenal confirm Granit Xhaka exit as Mikel Arteta U-turns on Declan Rice stance

Arsenal have shared a farewell message for Granit Xhaka - with the midfielder's move to Bayer Leverkusen now confirmed.

"297 appearances. 23 goals. 29 assists. Two FA Cups. And one inspirational story," the club wrote on social media "Granit Xhaka: forever a part of the Arsenal family." The Gunners had been holding firm with their stance on Xhaka and were understood to have not wanted to sell the midfielder until they wrapped up a deal for England and West Ham star Declan Rice.

The Gunners were also looking for around £20m for the Swiss midfielder rather than a knock-down price. However, with Arsenal closing in on signing Rice, Leverkusen have now got their man after meeting the London club's demands - and they have handed Xhaka a contract which runs until 2028.

“Granit has been a big part of our club for a long time," Arsenal sporting director Edu said of the departing star. "He has given us great commitment and quality over the years, playing such an important role in our progression and success.

"He leaves us with our huge respect and thanks. We wish Granit all the best for the future.”

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Xhaka joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and enjoyed a spell as Arsenal's captain during his time in North London. He came close to an exit earlier in Mikel Arteta's time as manager, only for the Spaniard to change his mind, but the 30-year-old is now being allowed to move on.

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Granit Xhaka has left Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen (AP)

“We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us," Arsenal manager Arteta said. "It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his teammates on the pitch and colleagues at the club will tell you just how popular he is.

“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”

Xhaka joins Leverkusen with a chance to pick up where he left off when leaving Gladbach. He played more than 100 times in the Bundesliga during his first spell in Germany and has revealed he continued to follow the competition while living in England.

"I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London," Xhaka said upon completing his move. "Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets.

"Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Discussions with the management have been incredibly motivating. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something – I'm very much looking forward to the next few years."

Tom Victor