Xhaka celebrates with Arsenal teammates.placeholder image
Xhaka celebrates with Arsenal teammates. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has been linked with an ‘ambitious’ transfer to a newly promoted Premier League side.
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been linked with a move to Premier League side Sunderland this summer in an ‘ambitious’ transfer swoop from the newly promoted side.
The Black Cats return to the top flight for the first time since 2017 and are looking to add crucial Premier League experience to their ranks. Xhaka, who has played 225 times in the division, would certainly add that.
It could be the most head-turning deal of the summer should Sunderland pull off the transfer. Xhaka is currently playing at Bayer Leverkusen and made 49 appearances across all competitions last term, including 10 outings in the Champions League.
Sunderland eye ‘ambitious’ transfer swoop
The midfielder has another three years left on his deal with the German outfit, who are under no pressure to sell, but Sky Sports believe a switch to the Stadium of Light could happen. A report on Wednesday claimed: “Some breaking transfer news just in to us. Sunderland are exploring an ambitious move to sign Bayer Leverkusen and former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
“Xhaka has three years left on his Leverkusen deal but could be allowed to leave this window. Sunderland face competition from Saudi Arabia and have already spent £95 million this summer ahead of their Premier League return.”
Arsenal supporters of course know Xhaka well given that he used to captain the Gunners. He enjoyed a topsy turvy stay at the Emirates Stadium, known for falling out with club figures and a penchant for a red card.
Mikel Arteta on close relationship with ex Arsenal man Xhaka
The 32-year-old spent seven years at Arsenal before moving to Bayer Leverkusen, winning two FA Cups, two Community Shields and helping the side to the final of the Europa League in 2019.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is known to be a big fan of the midfielder, with Xhaka on the verge of leaving when the Spaniard took over in December 2019 following a breakdown in relationship with Arsenal fans. Xhaka had been dropped and stripped of captaincy by Unai Emery.
What followed was a remarkable turnaround and, prior to his departure in 2023, Arteta was asked about Xhaka’s importance. He said: “For me, crucial. Really, really important on every level, for the team and for the club as well. In the great moments like the season he has had, and in the difficult ones.
“We have become a better club and better people and we have understood certain situations much better than just judging them. The club and a lot of people have done really well to dig in there and understand what happened emotionally and why those reactions were happening. And having the courage to say: ‘OK, let’s turn around the situation.”
While Xhaka is not heading back to the Emirates Stadium, a move to Sunderland would certainly pique the interest of Arsenal supporters given the player’s headline-making stay at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners face Sunderland on November 8 at the Stadium of Light before a return meeting on Feb 7.
In other news, Arsenal may have done their best business all summer by agreeing deal with 'aggressive' talent - opinion.
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