The Swiss midfielder looks set to leave the Emirates after seven years at the club. Xhaka has revived his form this season and played a vital role in Mikel Arteta's side's title challenge but will move to the Bundesliga next season for a fresh challenge. According to Sport Bild, his wife Leonita has played a key role in helping Xhaka choose his next club as she's from Germany originally.
Indeed, the pair met while Xhaka was playing for Borussia Monchengladbach prior to his move to Arsenal and a return to Germany has always been on the cards. Once signed, his contract with Leverkusen will run until 2027 and the club are set to pay €15 million (£13m/$16.3m) to the Gunners as a transfer fee for his services.
Bild also mentions that Xhaka has held several rounds of discussions with Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso before taking the final call and is entirely convinced of his role. The Spaniard trusts the midfielder's ball-carrying capabilities and views him as an important leader on the pitch who can dictate proceedings.
Xhaka has a job to do at the weekend when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with the Switzerland international likely to start as the Gunners take part in their penultimate game of the 2022-23 season.