Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy accepts now may be the right time for Arsenal to move on from Granit Xhaka even if the Bundesliga-bound midfielder has been in ‘absolutely sensational’ form under Mikel Arteta.
Oh what could have been for the Switzerland international at the Emirates Stadium. If only Arsenal had utilised him in his best role from day one.
Granit Xhaka’s career-best tally of seven goals and seven assists from a more advanced role this term makes you wonder how much more he could have achieved had the 30-year-old not been forced into a deeper, more defensively-minded position which merely accentuated his weaknesses and minimised his strengths.
At least Xhaka will leave Arsenal with his reputation restored, and with the gratitude of a Gunners fanbase who have taken the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace to their hearts ever since that breakdown of relations back in 2019.
Granit Xhaka is leaving Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen
According to Fabrizio Romano, Xhaka is in advanced talks regarding a return to Germany. Bayer Leverkusen are offering him a four-year deal, and it seems Arsenal will not stand in his way.
“I am a little bit (surprised) actually!” former Liverpool, Tottenham hotspur and Fulham ace Murphy tells talkSPORT (17 May, 11am).
“I think the way he’s redeemed himself is phenomenal. It says a lot about his character. He’s been absolutely sensational this season, brilliant playing in a position much more suited to him. A role he’s enjoyed.
“I think he’s got the fans back onside. He’s been really inspirational. A good character, a good leader.”
When informed that Xhaka has just one year left on his contract, however, Murphy changed tack somewhat. The £13 million Arsenal will bring in can also go towards a quicker, younger, more versatile option. Be it a Declan Rice or a Moises Caicedo.
“If his contract is coming to a point of re-negotiation, maybe this is where Arsenal need to be cute and clever compared to Man City,” Murphy adds. If Arsenal are thinking of Rice or Caicedo, they are going have to free up some of the budget to pay them
“And Xhaka, to be fair, is he going to want to stay on the bench? Probably not.
“Leverkusen good club. They are on the way up.”
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