Granit Xhaka paused to say goodbye to Arsenal fans – specifically the Ashburton Army – after marking what is likely to be his final appearance for the Gunners with two quick-fire goals. The Swiss international is in advanced talks to join Bayer Leverkusen this summer in a deal expected to be worth around £13million.
Xhaka is set to bid an emotional farewell after the conclusion of the final day contest with Wolves, although confirmation on his future is yet to arrive.
And the midfield technician served up the perfect leaving present for the home supporters when he scored twice in quick succession to give the Gunners a 2-0 lead over the visitors.
After the first goal, Xhaka took a moment to reflect with the Ashburton Army as he prepares to say goodbye.
The Switzerland international paused for a second, holding his arms in the air and looking directly into the crowd.
Yet things would get even better for Xhaka as he tapped home a second inside the penalty areas.
This time around he would go over to the Arsenal bench to celebrate with fellow team-mate Mohamed Elneny as the pair shared a nice moment.
It was turning quickly turning into party time at the Emirates on the final day as Bukayo Saka added another goal before half-time to make it 3-0.
Speaking earlier in the week, Mikel Arteta paid tribute to the attitude of Xhaka, who turned his Arsenal career around while remaining central to his project.
“It is a honest and a unique willingness to help them. It is not an act. It is not because they think it is supposed to be their role, it is genuine,” he said.
“And that is what makes the difference. We have four or five in that dressing room who have been critical for those players to grow, to have the right support and to inspire them.
“And in the right moment to challenge them, to get them into the right direction when they are tempted to go somewhere else. You need that.”
Xhaka’s playing time is likely to be limited next season should he opt to remain at Arsenal.
The Gunners are already targeting midfield reinforcements and are prepared to launch a club-record bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo also remains of interest while Chelsea attacking midfielder Mason Mount is on their radar, also.
Xhaka joined Arsenal back in the summer of 2016 when he arrived from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach.
He has come close to leaving on two separate occasions when Hertha Berlin and Roma tried to sign the player.
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