Granit Xhaka's Shocking Arsenal Exit: Midfield Maestro Joins Bayer Leverkusen for £214m - Fans Left Stunned!

Granit Xhaka, the Arsenal midfielder, has successfully transferred to Bayer Leverkusen after spending seven seasons in north London. The 30-year-old played 297 matches for the Gunners, scoring 23 goals, and securing two FA Cup victories. His departure comes with a transfer fee of £21.4m, coinciding with the imminent £105m move of Declan Rice to Emirates Stadium.

Xhaka had faced challenging times during his stint at Arsenal, including the loss of his captaincy in 2019 due to his heated reaction towards fans' booing. However, he departs the club on a positive note, having successfully reconciled and established himself as a vital player under Mikel Arteta.

Notably, he played a pivotal role in the team's impressive second-place finish in the previous Premier League season, contributing with seven goals and seven assists across 37 appearances.

"Gunners, I want to express my gratitude for the amazing journey we have shared together. It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to Arsenal after seven extraordinary years. This club has truly become an integral part of my life, making it incredibly difficult to say goodbye. However, I firmly believe that now is the opportune moment for me to embark on a new and exhilarating adventure."

I am immensely grateful to a multitude of individuals - the managers under whom I had the privilege of playing, my fellow team members, and the hardworking staff who tirelessly support us behind the scenes.

However, my heartfelt appreciation is, without a doubt, reserved for all of you. We have undoubtedly encountered challenging moments, known to all. Yet, it is our collective strength that has allowed us to overcome those obstacles. I will forever cherish the overwhelming emotions that swept over me every time we triumphed in the FA Cup, as well as the euphoric sensation that washed over me when I heard your melodic chants, echoing my name. It was a genuine marvel that sent shivers down my spine.

"I will always carry Arsenal in my heart. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner."

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Arteta expressed his admiration for his contributions to the club, stating, "We bid farewell to an exceptional player and individual who is adored by everyone.

"Our time together has been an extraordinary journey, and he has dedicated himself entirely to this club. The impact Granit has had on his teammates and colleagues speaks volumes about his popularity."

Granit's service and contribution to this club over the years are truly invaluable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him and wish him, as well as his family, all the best for the next chapter in their lives.

Moreover, Edu, Arsenal's sporting director, emphasized that Granit has been an integral part of our club for a significant duration. His unwavering commitment and exceptional quality have played a vital role in our continuous growth and achievements.

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Xhaka joined Arsenal in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach

"He leaves us with our huge respect and thanks. We wish Granit all the best for the future."

Xhaka is excited to make a comeback to the Bundesliga by signing a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen. Previously, he had spent four seasons with Borussia Monchengladbach.

"I am familiar with the league inside out and closely followed it during my time in London. Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive past and ambitious goals," he expressed.

Analysis: How Xhaka adapted and why he leaves on a high

Nick Wright:

Amidst the divided opinions about Granit Xhaka's time at Arsenal, it is fitting that his departure is surrounded by contradictory sentiments. Approaching the age of 30 and with only one year left on his contract, it is undoubtedly the appropriate moment for him to leave. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that his absence will be felt.

It was unforeseeable that a player who faced ridicule from his own supporters and was stripped of his captaincy over three years ago would eventually depart on a positive note. This seemed improbable just last January when he faced heavy criticism for receiving a red card in a match against Liverpool.

That expulsion at Anfield, resulting from a foul on Diogo Jota that denied him the final opportunity, marked his fifth red card as an Arsenal player and was seen as evidence that he could never truly reform his behavior. However, during an emotional afternoon at the Emirates Stadium for the last match of the previous season against Wolves, fans who had previously doubted him were now chanting his name...

Analysis: Will Arsenal miss Xhaka?

Over his seven years at Arsenal, Xhaka has done his fair share of dividing the Arsenal fanbase. Many are surprised he has survived this long.

Xhaka's departure coincides with the moment when he has finally gained universal admiration at the Emirates Stadium.

Xhaka came close to leaving the club in 2020, following his removal as captain amidst a public dispute with the fans. However, Mikel Arteta advised him to be patient, and that advice has proven to be justified. The Arsenal manager has found him a suitable role within the team.

Despite being undervalued, the 30-year-old has been an instrumental attacking player, without the same pressure faced by Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. While he may not wear the captain's armband, many within the club consider him the de facto skipper.

Furthermore, in light of the potential addition of another midfielder after Rice, a decision must be made, and the £21.4m payment for Xhaka will prove beneficial. It is possible that Arteta is considering revitalizing his core leadership team as well, as there are speculations of the departures of Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney, who currently serve as captains for the club.

Given two end-of-season collapses have happened in a row - albeit in different contexts - a new changing-room direction might be on the Arsenal manager's mind.