Mikel Arteta has offered his verdict on the reports surrounding Granit Xhaka's proposed summer transfer from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen. The Switzerland international had been linked with a move away from the Gunners with Leverkusen as a possible destination with those links quickly moving forward as he is now in advanced talks to sign for the German club, as football.london understands.
The news came as a slight surprise given his superb 2022/23 campaign which has seen him notch 14 goal contributions from 45 games. In his tumultuous seven years at Emirates Stadium, it's fair to say this season has been his best, becoming a core member of Arteta's first-choice XI in an advanced 8 role.
However, given the Gunners' impressive campaign, major moves in the summer window looked likely and to help create funds for that outgoings are needed. Xhaka would be turning 31 at the start of next season and it appears now may be the right time for both parties to go their own way.
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"The clarity is there," Arteta said when asked about Xhaka's current status at Arsenal. "He is a player that has played I think every minute since I have been the manager. He is an incredibly respected figure at the club.
"He has a great story around him with what he has achieved at the club in going through very tough moments and he is a key and very important part of us. Whatever happens is something we will discuss, certainly not now."
A summer departure for Xhaka seems to hint that Edu and Arteta are planning multiple midfield additions. Declan Rice is the priority target, football.london understands, but Moises Caicedo, Martin Zubimendi, Mohamed Kudus, Mason Mount and most recently Xavi Simons have all been linked.
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