Granit Xhaka edging closer to £21.5m Bayer Leverkusen transfer as Arsenal step up transfer plans

The Swiss international is set to leave the Emirates this summer and return to the Bundesliga with Xabi Alonso's side

Granit Xhaka is closing in on a £21.5 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen football.london understands.

Reports had previously suggested that the Swiss international was set join Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £13m. Now though, it is thought that the two clubs are thought to have agreed a €25m fee that will see the 30-year-old secure a return to the Bundesliga.

Xhaka was a key player for Arsenal last season scoring nine goals and grabbing seven assists in a more advanced role. The Swiss international has just 12 months remaining on his contract as things stand though and the decision has been taken to cash in. After weeks of speculation it is now thought that Xhaka will seal his move to Germany in the coming days.

Xhaka's departure will bring his seven-year stay in north London to an end. Across his time with Arsenal the Swiss international made 297 appearances, scoring three goals. His time with the Gunners appeared to be over after he was stripped of the captaincy following an incident during a match with Crystal Palace at the Emirates in 2019.

Since the arrival of Arteta though, the 30-year-old has found a new lease of life, and reached levels few thought were possible this season. "He did what he needed to do and he has done it the whole season," Arteta said of Xhaka after Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Wolves on the final day of the season. "He has been magnificent for us. I had the opportunity to say thank you. He is a player who had a special story and he has been integral."