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Well, Granit Xhaka is back. This time, though, the Swiss international will be playing against Arsenal, as there's an agreement for him to return to the Premier League.
When Granit Xhaka left Arsenal in 2023, it was a difficult departure for Arsenal to take. The timing of his departure was right, for two different reasons.
One of those reasons being the season which Arsenal just had. The 2022-23 season was one of the most memorable in Arsenal's history since they were involved in their first title race in some time, and more importantly, qualified for the Champions League.
Secondly, and this ties into the first, but Granit Xhaka had completed his redemption arc. The former Arsenal captain came a long way from swearing at the Arsenal fans to being given a standing ovation by the Arsenal fans.
Heck, he even scored a brace in his final Arsenal game.
Granit Xhaka pushes for Sunderland move
In a shock turn of events, Granit Xhaka is set to play against Arsenal next season.
According to a report from David Ornstein of The Athletic, there is now an agreement in place for Granit Xhaka to sign for Sunderland. The agreement is between Xhaka and Sunderland.
This agreement came after Xhaka informed Bayer Leverkusen he only wanted to sign for Sunderland.
His contract at Leverkusen runs until 2028, but Xhaka has kindly asked the club to get this transfer wrapped up as soon as possible. He not only wants to sign for the Black Cats, but he wants to move there fast.
Arsenal fans on red alert and hoping for the best
This is an exciting project for Granit Xhaka to be part of. The Swiss international is joining a historic Premier League side who are close to completing a redemption arc of their own.
Sunderland is one of the most tragic tales in English football recently. They were once a Premier League mainstay, hosting memorable names such as Djibril Cisse and Lee Cattermole.
They plummeted down the English football pyramid with successive relegations but now, they are back in the Premier League.
Well, that memory isn't lost on Granit Xhaka and after clawing their way back through several leagues, Sunderland wants to be here to stay. If Xhaka has anything to do with it, they will be.
Arsenal fans know better than most how hungry Xhaka is to succeed. He has a never-say-never attitude and if his final season with the Gunners is anything to go by, he could bag a few surprising goals.