Important Arsenal star hints at leaving the club within next few weeks

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has hinted at a possible departure from the Emirates Stadium this summer, with reports suggesting that the Gunners are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a £13million move for the Swiss international.

In an interview with Standard Sport on Saturday, Xhaka said, “You will know the latest next week, for sure. I think they (the fans) deserve that and I do myself as well. We have one more week of this Premier League season, the first thing is I want to enjoy [it] and, for sure, you guys will know next week what happens with my future.”

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal clears the ball whilst under pressure from Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schaer of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Xhaka has been a key player for Arsenal this season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in the Premier League. However, his future at the club has been in doubt following a controversial incident in November 2019, when he was stripped of the captaincy after reacting angrily to fans’ jeers during a game against Crystal Palace.

Despite the incident, Xhaka has remained a regular in Arsenal’s midfield under manager Mikel Arteta. However, with the Gunners looking to rebuild their squad this summer, it seems that Xhaka could be on his way out of the club.

Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly been monitoring Xhaka’s situation for some time, and are said to be keen to bring him back to the Bundesliga. Xhaka previously played for Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Arsenal in 2016.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

If Xhaka does leave Arsenal this summer, it would represent a significant loss for the Gunners. The 30-year-old has been a consistent performer for the club over the past seven years, and his experience and leadership qualities will be missed.

However, with Arsenal looking to build a younger, more dynamic squad under Arteta, it is understandable that they may be willing to let Xhaka go if the price is right. The Swiss international has been a loyal servant to the club, and if he does leave this summer, he will do so with the best wishes of Arsenal fans everywhere.