Granit Xhaka has revealed that he is keen on a return to Borussia Monchengladbach when his current deal with Arsenal expires.
The Switzerland international represented the German club for four years before joining the Gunners in 2016. Since then, he has been a mainstay in midfield and has accumulated 225 appearances across all competitions. However, he has been involved in just five games this season.
Xhaka has been on the sidelines due to a knee injury he sustained during the north London derby. Recently, the midfielder has returned to training and is expected to regain match fitness by January.
Several reports linked him with a move away from the Emirates club in the summer transfer window, with Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma being the frontrunners to land him. On the contrary, the midfielder penned a contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2024.
In a recent interview, Xhaka spoke about a possible return to Germany. Although he insisted on being focused on the project with the north Londoners, he is tempted by a return to his former club.
While speaking on the MitGeredet podcast(via insidefutbol), the 29-year-old said:
“I’ve just renewed my contract, which will continue for two and a half years. [By] then I’ll be 32. And if Max Eberl is ready to take me back at 32, my door will be open too.”
Arsenal Fever View:
Since joining the Gunners back in 2016, Xhaka has always divided opinion among the fanbase. He has been an indispensable part of the midfield under the previous managers and continues to do so under Mikel Arteta. He is a dependable squad player who is capable of occupying different positions, providing some much-needed squad depth.
However, it is this dependability that has cost the team a few times. The Swiss often slows down the pace of the game by dwelling on the ball for too long. He has also been responsible for giving away cheap goals because of his sloppy passing. And not to mention his temperament during a game and the rash challenges that have resulted in numerous red cards.
By the time Xhaka’s current contract expires, he will be 32 and it is unlikely that he would be offered an extension. Arsenal have been investing for the future by bringing in young talents which could make the Swiss surplus to requirements. Therefore, the club should be happy to part ways with him for free in 2024.
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