In an official announcement, Arsenal has confirmed the departure of Granit Xhaka, as he joins Bayer Leverkusen in a permanent deal. After a turbulent seven-year stint with the Gunners, the Switzerland international has embarked on a new chapter by signing a five-year contract with Xabi Alonso’s side, set to last until the summer of 2028.
Reports suggest that Leverkusen has paid a substantial fee of €25 million (£21.4 million) to secure the services of the 30-year-old midfielder, who had only one year remaining on his contract with Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously downplayed speculations surrounding Xhaka’s potential departure, took a moment to pay homage to the “fantastic” player as he prepares to make his return to the Bundesliga.
“We bid farewell to a remarkable player and an individual who was cherished by all of us. Our journey together has been nothing short of incredible, and he has dedicated himself completely to this club,” expressed Arteta on arsenal.com.
“The profound impact Granit has had on his teammates on the field and his colleagues at the club speaks volumes about his popularity. We cannot express enough gratitude to Granit for his dedicated service and immense contribution to this club throughout the years. We extend our best wishes to Granit and his family as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.”
Edu, the sporting director of Arsenal, also acknowledged Xhaka’s invaluable contributions, stating, “Granit has been an integral part of our club for an extended period. He has shown tremendous commitment and consistently delivered quality, playing a pivotal role in our progress and achievements. He leaves with our utmost respect and gratitude. We wish Granit all the best for his future endeavors.”
297 appearances. 23 goals. 29 assists. Two FA Cups. And one inspirational story.
Granit Xhaka: forever a part of the Arsenal family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gbgRVicFiM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2023
Xhaka bids a heartfelt farewell to the loyal Emirates Stadium faithful, leaving behind a legacy that includes 23 goals and 29 assists in 297 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival in 2016. Back then, he was signed by Arsene Wenger in a significant €45 million (£38.4 million) deal from Borussia Monchengladbach.
During his time with the North London club, the Switzerland captain celebrated triumphs in two FA Cups and two Community Shields. His standout season, from a statistical perspective, unfolded during the 2022-23 campaign. Xhaka showcased his prowess by finding the back of the net seven times and providing seven assists in 37 Premier League matches, a notable contribution that propelled Arsenal to a second-place finish in the table.
In 2019, Xhaka assumed the captaincy after Laurent Koscielny’s departure. However, a few months later, he was stripped of the armband following a highly publicized outburst directed at the fans. During a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates, Xhaka was subjected to jeers from Arsenal supporters as he was substituted. In response, the Swiss midfielder reacted with a verbal outburst and angrily retreated down the tunnel.
Xhaka’s future at Arsenal seemed uncertain at that point, but Arteta successfully persuaded him to remain at the club. Under the guidance of the Spanish manager, Xhaka experienced an unexpected renaissance, turning his fortunes around and reclaiming his standing among the Arsenal faithful.
In his first statement as a Bayer Leverkusen player, Xhaka expressed his excitement, saying, “I am well acquainted with the league, having followed it closely during my time in London. Bayer 04 is a club with an illustrious history and ambitious goals. Most importantly, I see it as a club with a bright future. The discussions I’ve had with the management have been incredibly motivating. Everyone here shares a strong ambition to achieve something remarkable, and I am eagerly looking forward to the coming years.”
Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal follows the exits of Pablo Mari and Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer, as the Gunners close in on the anticipated £105 million arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham United, signaling an intent to strengthen their squad further.