Granit Xhaka's Shocking Transfer News: Arsenal Star Shocks Fans with Jaw-Dropping £215m Move to Bayer Leverkusen

Granit Xhaka, the Arsenal midfielder, has finalized his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen after spending seven seasons in north London. The 30-year-old departs the Gunners after making 297 appearances and scoring 23 goals, while also securing two FA Cups. The transfer fee for Xhaka's move amounts to £21.5m, coinciding with Declan Rice's imminent £105m transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

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

Granit Xhaka's departure from Arsenal has been a topic of controversy, reflecting the divided opinions about him. At 30 years old and with only one year left on his contract, it is undeniably the opportune moment for his exit. However, it is equally true that his absence will be felt and he will be missed.

The unexpected turn of events has surprised many, considering that Xhaka was once jeered by his own fans and even stripped of the captaincy three and a half years ago. As recently as January last year, when he received a red card against Liverpool, the idea of him leaving on a positive note seemed implausible.

Analysis: Will Arsenal miss Xhaka?

Xhaka's tenure at Arsenal, spanning seven years, has been marked by divisive opinions among the fanbase. His ability to endure this long has surprised many.

While some viewed him as a contributor to Arsenal's decline towards a mid-table position, others perceived him as misunderstood and unfairly blamed.

However, Xhaka's exit comes just when he has managed to earn widespread approval at the Emirates Stadium. Almost leaving the club in 2020, shortly after being stripped of the captaincy following a public dispute with the fans, Xhaka was advised by Mikel Arteta to be patient. This decision has now been justified, as the Arsenal manager has assigned him a suitable position in the team.

The 30-year-old has been a valuable attacking player, who often goes unnoticed and is not burdened by the high expectations placed on players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Although he is not the team captain, many within the club consider him to be the leader in all but name.

However, if the rumors about the club's interest in midfielders such as Declan Rice, Ilkay Gundogan, Moises Caicedo, or Mason Mount - who could potentially cost a minimum of £150m - are true, sacrifices will have to be made. The reported £15m fee for Xhaka could prove to be quite useful in this situation.

Maybe Arteta is considering shaking up his leadership team as well. There are rumors circulating that Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney, who are both captains at the club, might also leave this summer.

With two consecutive end-of-season collapses, albeit under different circumstances, it is possible that the Arsenal manager is contemplating a new direction within the team's changing room.