Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has joined Bayer Leverkusen from Arsenal on a five-year deal, the German membership introduced on Thursday.
Xhaka, 30, signed for Arsenal in 2016 and had a yr remaining on his contract however was anticipated to go away with the Gunners pursuing a transfer for England worldwide Declan Rice.
“In Granit we now have been ready to usher in an absolute prime participant,” mentioned Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes in a membership assertion.
Xhaka returns to the Bundesliga in a reported 25-million-euro ($27.2m) change after a seven-year stint with Arsenal that noticed him win the FA Cup twice but additionally be stripped of the membership captaincy.
He scored 23 targets in 297 appearances for the Gunners, together with twice on the ultimate day of the season in a 5-0 residence win over Wolves as Arsenal completed second within the Premier League.
His fond farewell from Arsenal supporters was proof of Xhaka’s outstanding turnaround after he infamously swore on the crowd throughout a 2019 match with Crystal Palace.
“We’re saying goodbye to a incredible participant and particular person liked by all of us,” mentioned Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta.
“It has been an unbelievable journey collectively for him and he has given completely every part for this membership.”
Xhaka, who started his profession with hometown membership Basel, performed within the Bundesliga with Borussia Moenchengladbach from 2012 to 2016.
“I do know the league inside out and I watched it once I was in London,” mentioned Xhaka.
“Bayer 04 is a membership with a formidable historical past and impressive targets.”
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