Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to complete a permanent transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka has been continuously linked with a move to Leverkusen throughout the summer, but it has taken time for a deal to be agreed.
Although Xhaka agreed personal terms with Xabi Alonso's side, negotiations over the transfer fee have supposedly held up the move.
The Switzerland international was expected to join Leverkusen for £13m, before the Gunners opted to increase their asking price.
However, according to football.london, the move is expected to be finalised after the two clubs reached an agreement over €25m (£21.5m) fee.
© Reuters
The 30-year-old has 12 months left to run on his current deal, which included an option to extend by an additional year, but Arsenal have taken the decision to cash in.
Xhaka played a key part in Arsenal's title challenge last year, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
Despite winning two FA Cups and two Community Shields with the Gunners, he has experienced a tumultuous time in North London.
In 2019, his time at the club looked to be drawing to a close after he reacted angrily to boos from the home support when he was substituted in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
© Reuters
Following the departure of Unai Emery, Xhaka managed to revive his Arsenal career under the careful watch of Arteta, who has made him a key part of his side.
However, he is now set to end his seven-year association with the club and will depart after registering 23 goals and 29 assists in 297 appearances.
While one midfielder is on the way out of the club, another is set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in the shape of England international Declan Rice.
The 24-year-old has cut his holiday short to undergo a medical, and there is hope that he will be unveiled as an Arsenal player by the end of the week.
