Granit Xhaka closing in on Arsenal reunion as agent confirms surprise transfer agreement

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka it set to the Emirates Stadium this season - but as an opposition player.

The 32-year-old left Arsenal to join German side Bayer Leverkusen two years ago. He has been a key player in the Bundesliga’s club success.

But he now looks set for a surprise return to the Premier League with newly-promoted Sunderland. The Athletic report that an agreement is in place between Xhaka and the Black Cats and the midfielder has chosen the move over other possibilities.

READ MORE: Arsenal are the biggest winners in Viktor Gyokeres deal after Andrea Berta U-turn

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres gets honest Arsenal transfer verdict from Sporting teammates as £64m deal agreed

Xhaka wants the transfer to be completed quickly and negotiations between the two clubs are now underway. Turkish side Fenerbahce have also been linked with an interest, but a move to Sunderland looks to be on the cards.

The agreement with Sunderland has been confirmed by the Xhaka's agent Jose Noguera. Speaking to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, he said: “We’ve reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland.

“Granit wants to return to the Premier League. Sunderland excites him – he wants to take on this challenge. We hope Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will find an agreement soon.”

If a move is completed, then Xhaka will come up against Arsenal for the first time in November, giving the midfielder the chance to reunite with his former club. The Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light for the Premier League clash on Saturday, 8 November with kick-off currently scheduled for 3pm.

He will have to wait a few more months until his return to the Emirates Stadium. The reverse fixture between the clubs is currently scheduled for Saturday, 8 February, 2026 with kick-off at 3pm.

During his seven years at Arsenal, Xhaka played a total of 297 games, scoring 23 goals and providing 29 assists. He was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in both 2017 and 2020.