Granit Xhaka has hinted that his departure from Arsenal will be announced in the coming week.
Xhaka scored twice inside the first 15 minutes of a comfortable 5-0 win over Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday. He was substituted in the 75th minute, with Mikel Arteta seemingly keen for the midfielder to be given a reception from the home fans at the Emirates Stadium.
The Swiss international was given a standing ovation and serenaded by chants of “we want you to stay”. He later hung back during the lap of appreciation after the final whistle to savour what could well be a goodbye, given the strong rumours of a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka’s car was stopped by fans wanting signatures when he left later on and he gave another hint over his future. Asked by AFTV contributor Pippa Monique on her YouTube channel if he is going, Xhaka replied: “You will see next week what happens.”
When his wife was mentioned as a possible reason for his move back to Germany, Xhaka twice said: “It’s not about the missus.”
Recent reports in Bild claimed Xhaka’s wife, Leonita Lekaj, was pushing for a return to her homeland. Xhaka met his wife while he was playing for Borussia Monchengladbach, who he left in 2016 to join Arsenal.
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Sunday was not the first time Xhaka has come close to confirming his departure from the club. Speaking before the Wolves game, he said: “How the fans have treated me, I didn’t expect that - but I am thankful for them. I want to give them something back for, maybe, my last game on Sunday.
"I wanted to do something special this season, maybe with a title, but it’s not the time. Let’s see what the future holds.” Arteta has remained tight-lipped on the issue. Asked about Xhaka’s exit on Sunday, he told journalists: “You know that? It's news to me."
Asked about the standing ovation Xhaka received, he was more forthcoming, saying: “Well deserved, he’s had an incredible season. I think one year back I spoke to him and I told him, ‘Question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better, I’m going to challenge you to play here’.
“And I think he went back and started to train the next day, and he came to pre-season 4kg less, fit, with this [determined] face and really willing to do it.
“He’s been exceptional, he’s been a key part of the team and the team’s success and I am so happy that everybody is appreciating what he has done.”
Arsenal have made West Ham midfielder Declan Rice their number one transfer target for the summer window, strengthening the possibility of Xhaka’s departure. They are also interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
