Former Arsenal captain and Newcastle United captain Granit Xhaka looks set to return to the Bundesliga, according to reports.
Magpies head coach Steve Bruce was understood to be an admirer of the Swiss international, whose future in north London was cast into doubt after he angrily reacted to being booed off in the draw with Crystal Palace in October.
Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy by former manager Unai Emery, and has made just three Premier League appearances since the unsavoury episode.
The 27-year-old's potential exit from the Gunners has been the subject of speculation for two months as a result.
Now, German title Bild is reporting Xhaka has informed his Arsenal team-mates he will be leaving the club in January.
Sky Germany report Hertha Berlin have identified the holding midfielder as a top target in the upcoming window.
New head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is believed to be hopeful of securing a deal for the midfielder, who is understood to be open to a move to the Bundesliga outfit who currently sit 13th in the table.
It is unclear whether it would be a loan or a permanent transfer at this stage.
Bruce is on the lookout for a quality midfielder to reinforce the squad in January, but has admitted it is a difficult window to do business and is considering the loan market as a more realistic option.
