Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could be set for an unexpected reunion this summer as he nears a move away from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Swiss international spent several years at the Emirates Stadium between 2016 and 2022. He initially joined the Gunners from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach and went on to make just under 300 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Three years ago, he completed a permanent return to the Bundesliga, joining Leverkusen for a reported fee of around £21m. In his second season at the BayArena, Xhaka played a pivotal role in their Bundesliga title-winning campaign, during which Xabi Alonso’s side remained unbeaten throughout the season.
That year, Xhaka scored four goals and provided two assists as Leverkusen stormed to league glory. They also secured a domestic treble, winning the DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup, although they fell short in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Now, the 32-year-old is expected to move on, with The Athletic reporting that newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Neom SC are in pursuit of the midfielder. The report claims talks are underway regarding a potential deal, with Xhaka having already expressed his willingness to make the move.
Xhaka had been linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan, and was open to a move to Italy. However, a fee could not be agreed with Leverkusen and it now appears he could be heading elsewhere.
Interestingly, Neom have already signed another former Arsenal player this summer in striker Alexandre Lacazette. The 34-year-old departed his boyhood club Lyon as a free agent and was snapped up by the Saudi outfit.
Xhaka and Lacazette spent five years together at Arsenal, with Lacazette arriving a year later in 2017. The pair lifted the FA Cup in the 2019/20 season after a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, a final played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions.
