Arsenal Transfers: The latest on Granit Xhaka’s future

When Granit Xhaka scored twice on the final day of the season against Wolves, many regarded the midfielder’s brace in a 5-0 thrashing as the perfect farewell.

In the weeks leading up to the season’s conclusion, reports emerged that Xhaka, who’d enjoyed his most productive campaign in an Arsenal shirt following his deployment in a more advanced position, was set to leave the club this summer in favour of a new challenge elsewhere.

The Swiss international’s time in north London was tumultuous for a long period, and had he departed for Roma in 2021 as many expected, his career with the Gunners wouldn’t have been looked back on with the sort of fondness that it will now, two years on.

Xhaka’s resurgence has seen him re-emerge as an imperative dressing room leader and an Emirates favourite. Replacing him will be no simple task, and it’s believed that Arsenal will not move the 30-year-old on until a suitable replacement is signed.

The latest on Granit Xhaka’s future

Bayer Leverkusen have long been regarded as Xhaka’s next destination, but we’ve heard very little on this front since the end of the season. However, Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday morning that Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen is still on the cards, but he’ll only depart once Arsenal have signed a midfielder of their own.

The club are believed to be making strides towards the signing of West Ham skipper Declan Rice, who is the Gunners’ priority target this summer. While several clubs are interested in signing the England international, Arsenal are the favourites to land his signature and are hopeful of wrapping up a deal that could be worth upwards of £100m soon.

Rice is said to be convinced by Mikel Arteta’s project, and the Gunners remain confident of landing their man. It’d be a massive coup.

Once Rice is over the line, which we all hope will be ASAP, then you should expect Xhaka’s departure to swiftly follow.