A veteran Arsenal star to reportedly play final game in encounter against Wolves

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to make his final appearance for the club this Sunday in their match against Nottingham Forest. According to a report by The Guardian, the Swiss international is likely to join Bayer Leverkusen early in the summer transfer window.

Xhaka’s rehabilitation from outcast to mainstay has been a major success of manager Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal. The midfielder was stripped of the captaincy by former manager Unai Emery after an altercation with fans in 2019, but has since regained his form and become a key player for the Gunners.

This season, Xhaka has scored five goals and made seven assists in the Premier League. His performances have helped Arsenal in their bid to win the 2022/23 Premier League title, but a defeat against Nottingham Forest in their 37th game week saw them lose the trophy to Manchester City. Arsenal currently has 81 points while Manchester City have 89 points. Manchester City are this year’s Premier League Champions even though we still have the last game of of the Premier League season yet to be played. The Gunners will have to settle for second place even though they had led the league table for 10 months this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring the 4th Arsenal goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Xhaka’s departure will be a blow for Arsenal, but they have already started planning for his replacement. The Gunners have been linked with several midfielders in recent months, including West Ham United’s Declan Rice.

Despite Xhaka’s impending departure, Arsenal fans will remember him fondly for his contributions to the club. He played a key role in their FA Cup triumphs and his leadership qualities on and off the pitch have been praised by his teammates and coaches.

As Xhaka prepares to say goodbye to Arsenal, he will be hoping to end his tenure on a high note with a win against Nottingham Forest. The midfielder has been a loyal servant to the club and will be missed by fans, but his departure represents a new chapter for Arsenal as they look to build a team capable of challenging for major honours in the years to come.