WHAT HAPPENED? The Gunners start their Premier League season fit with little to play for but with pride, with second-place Manchester City, final champions, already assured.
But the adjustment may be Xhaka’s last appearance in an Arsenal shirt, with the north London club in talks with Bayer Leverkusen about selling the Switzerland international. A deal has not yet been closed, but Xhaka will most likely end. his seven-year career at Arsenal and return to Germany.
And the thirty-year-old needs everything fixed before the end of the week, so he has the chance to say goodbye to the Emirates for the last time on Sunday.
WHAT THEY SAID: “You’ll know by next week at the latest, that’s for sure,” he told the Evening Standard after their defeat at Forest on Saturday. Asked if he was looking for an announcement ahead of the Wolves game, the midfielder added: “Yes. I think [the fans] deserve it too and so do I. We still have a week of this Premier League season, the first thing is that I need to enjoy it and you will know next week what will take place with my future.
THE BIG PICTURE: If Xhaka were to leave, he would complete a seven-year stay in north London that has been full of ups and downs. Just 3 years ago, he was sacked as captain and seemed certain to leave after his public argument with the club’s fans when he booed Southampton from the pitch against Southampton.
But he replaced things and became a fan favourite with Mikel Arteta, of which he is very proud. “That’s what I say when I communicate about the specials,” Xhaka said. But it’s my story, it’s my path.
“I will be grateful to the enthusiasts because the way they treat me after this, I didn’t expect it if I’m honest. I’m thankful for that and I need to give them something back [for] my last game on Sunday.
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WHAT’S NEXT? Arsenal will play their final Premier League game of the season against Wolves on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.