Arsenal transfer decision pays off with Granit Xhaka on cusp of £21.5m exit

 Arsenal’s decision to keep Granit Xhaka amid interest from Roma in 2021 has paid off with the Gunners now reportedly set to receive £21.5million for the midfielder. Xhaka was linked with a switch to Serie A two years ago for a much smaller fee, but was convinced to stay by Mikel Arteta. 

At the time of Roma’s interest, Xhaka was still a much-maligned figure at the Emirates Stadium. In the two years since, the 30-year-old has rekindled his relationship with the Arsenal fanbase and blossomed into a well-liked figure, guiding the Gunners’ young stars on their Premier League title pursuit last season. 

Xhaka’s improvement has ensured that Arsenal will earn much more money for his departure two years on from his curtailed switch to Roma. After an impressive season under Arteta, the Switzerland international is set to leave for Bayer Leverkusen. 

Arsenal are claimed to have rejected a £12.9m offer from Roma in 2021. It would have been a meagre fee for a player who went on to have an extremely impactful 48 months in North Londo

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