Granit Xhaka ‘tells Mikel Arteta he wants to leave’ as Arsenal plot two signings

Granit Xhaka has decided he wants to leave Arsenal this summer, reports claim. The Switzerland star is said to have informed Mikel Arteta of his decision as the Gunners plot deals for two midfielders in the upcoming transfer window.

Xhaka still has over a year remaining on his contract at Arsenal. But Bayer Leverkusen are again interested in signing him after failing to lure him in 2022.

Xhaka has regularly been linked with a move away from the Emirates ever since he was stripped of the captaincy in late 2019. He publicly fell out with supporters and almost joined Hertha Berlin in the following January before Arteta convinced him to stay.

Jose Mourinho also wanted Xhaka at Roma in the summer of 2021. However, he committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new three-year deal.

Reports have recently surfaced that Xhaka could be leaving this summer. That is despite him having the best season of his Arsenal career to date.

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Arteta refused to speak about Xhaka’s future at his press conference last Friday. However, London World claims the 30-year-old has chosen to leave.

Arteta will sanction the player’s departure if a suitable offer is made. Xhaka is said to be keen on a return to Germany.

His exit would create further space for new signings at Arsenal. Arteta wants to sign both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo following the club’s return to Champions League football.

West Ham value Rice at a minimum of £100million, which would smash Arsenal’s current transfer record which sits at £72m. Meanwhile, Brighton turned down offers of up to £70m from the Gunners for Caicedo in January and the player has since signed a new contract at the Amex.

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Arsenal are unlikely to get a substantial fee for Xhaka due to his contract situation and him turning 31 later this year. He has made 295 appearances for the north London club since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.

This year has been his best return of goals and assists, with a combined 12 in the Premier League. Arteta refused to discuss rumours over Xhaka’s future but paid tribute to his season so far.

Speaking last week, Arteta said: “As you can understand I’m not going to be replying to certain stories. I’m extremely happy with Granit, I think he’s having an incredible season, probably the best season he’s had at the club. We are really happy to have him.”

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