Granit Xhaka Bids Arsenal Farewell for €25 Million Move to Bayer Leverkusen
Xhaka Seals €25m Switch to Bundesliga
Granit Xhaka has officially left Arsenal to join German giants Bayer Leverkusen in a €25 million (£21.4 million) deal. The Swiss midfielder, 30, has penned a five-year contract, turning the page on his seven-year stint at the Emirates and stepping back into the Bundesliga spotlight.
From Arsenal Captain to Bundesliga Return
Xhaka’s Arsenal journey began in 2016 and included a brief captaincy spell in 2019. Over 297 appearances, he netted 23 goals and helped the Gunners lift the FA Cup twice. His final game was a memorable one – a 5-0 thrashing of Wolves where he scored twice and earned a standing ovation from the fans.
Yet Xhaka’s time wasn’t without drama. A heated encounter with Arsenal supporters in October 2019 saw him stripped of the captaincy and openly declare he wanted out, signaling a rocky end to his tenure.
Arsenal Eyes Big-Name Replacement
With Xhaka gone, Arsenal are gearing up for a blockbuster signing. The club is closing in on a British record-breaking deal to land England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham, aiming to bolster their midfield firepower.
From Borussia Mönchengladbach to Emirates and Back
Before Arsenal, Xhaka spent four years at Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany, where his stand-out performances earned him a £35 million move to London in 2016. Following Arsenal’s rejection of Roma’s €15 million bid in 2021, he extended his contract by a year, keeping him at the club until 2024—until now.
As Xhaka embarks on his new chapter at Bayer Leverkusen, fans and pundits alike will remember his impact on Arsenal’s recent history—a midfielder who was at times beloved and controversial but undeniably crucial.
