Arsenal Training Session
Mikel Arteta could face a reunion (Picutre: Getty)
A former Arsenal star whom Mikel Arteta sold for £21million could make a surprise transfer back to the Premier League, according to reports.
After a slow start to the summer transfer window, the Gunners have kicked into gear as they look to plug the gaps in Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard have all arrived, while deals for Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke are both nearing completion.
Another side who have enjoyed a productive start to the window is Sunderland as they prepare for their first season back in the top flight since 2017.
The Black Cats have already made six signings this summer, including spending a club-record £30.5m to sign central midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.
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However, Regis Le Bris’ side are still keen to make further signings in the middle of the park to replace Jobe Bellingham who left for Borussia Dortmund this summer.
And according to transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri, the newly-promoted side have now held club-to-club talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka.
1. FSV Mainz 05 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga
Granit Xhaka has been linked with a Premier League return (Picture: Getty)
Xhaka has spent two seasons at the German club and helped them win the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso, but could be set for a return to England on a three-year deal for a fee of around €10million (£8.7m).
Sunderland will face competition for Xhaka’s signature, though, with Neom SC also interested in the Swiss international after securing promotion to the Saudi Pro League.
Joining Arsenal in 2017, Xhaka racked up 297 appearances in all competitions during his seven seasons in north London.
South Shields v Sunderland - Pre-Season Friendly
Sunderland have recruited heavily this summer to give Regis Le Bris’ side the best chance of survival (Picture: Getty)
The 32-year-old was made captain by Unai Emery in September 2019, but was stripped of the armband just months later after an angry confrontation with fans.
Despite winning back some fans in the following years, Xhaka eventually left the Emirates in 2023 to join Leverkusen, admitting he cried ‘tears of joy’ when the deal was completed.
‘I’m a very emotional person, I like to cry and I’m not ashamed of it,’ he said.
‘Of course, I also cried for joy at times. For example, when I made my transfer here to Leverkusen.
‘I also cried tears of joy because I really wanted to go back. I think it’s also part of it as a person.’
Xhaka might not be the only former Arsenal midfielder set for a move to the Stadium of Light, with other reports linking Sunderland with a move for Matteo Guendouzi..
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