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Granit Xhaka’s seven-year stay at Arsenal came to an end in July 2023, when he completed a £21.5 million move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Swiss midfielder had been a controversial figure at the Emirates Stadium, but he also played a key role in the club’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
Xhaka joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, and he quickly became a regular in the starting lineup. He was named captain in 2019, but his tenure as skipper was short-lived. In October of that year, he was booed off the pitch by Arsenal fans after being substituted in a game against Crystal Palace. Xhaka responded by cupping his ear and swearing at the fans, which led to him being stripped of the captaincy.
Despite the incident, Xhaka remained a key player for Arsenal under Arteta. He helped the club reach the Europa League final in 2020, and he was a regular in the side that finished fifth in the Premier League in 2022-23.
However, Xhaka’s time at Arsenal was always likely to be a short one. He is a divisive figure, and his style of play does not always fit in with the traditional Arsenal way. In the end, he decided to leave the club in search of a new challenge.
Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year contract, and he will be looking to help the club challenge for silverware in the Bundesliga and the Europa League. He is a talented player, and he will be a valuable asset to Leverkusen.
It remains to be seen whether Xhaka will be able to silence his critics at his new club. However, there is no doubt that he is a talented player who has the potential to be a success at Leverkusen.
Why did Xhaka leave Arsenal?
There are a number of reasons why Xhaka decided to leave Arsenal. One reason is that he was no longer happy at the club. He had been booed by the fans, and he felt that he was not appreciated by the club hierarchy.
Another reason is that Xhaka was looking for a new challenge. He has played in the Premier League for seven years, and he wanted to experience something different. He also wanted to play in the Champions League, which Arsenal are unlikely to do in the near future.
Finally, Xhaka was attracted by the financial package offered by Leverkusen. The German club are willing to pay him a significant salary, which was one of the main factors in his decision to move.
What does Xhaka’s departure mean for Arsenal?
Xhaka’s departure is a blow to Arsenal. He was a key player for the club, and he will be difficult to replace. However, the club’s hierarchy will be hoping that his departure will allow them to sign a more mobile and creative midfielder.
Xhaka’s departure also opens up a space in the Arsenal midfield. This could be an opportunity for young players like Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny to step up and stake a claim for a regular starting spot.
Overall, Xhaka’s departure is a mixed bag for Arsenal. It is a loss of a talented player, but it also opens up an opportunity for the club to sign a new midfielder and give some young players a chance.
