ALMOST DONE: Arsenal Star Man Bids Farewell to the Club

Granit Xhaka will join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £21.5million, Gunners247.com understands.

The Swiss international will put pen to paper on a long-term contract in the coming days after his move from Arsenal was finally sanctioned.

Leverkusen had a £13million offer rejected by the Gunners last month and after lengthy negotiations the two clubs have now come to an agreement.

Xhaka has resurrected his Arsenal career under Arteta on several occasions after being booed off the pitch by fans in 2019, becoming a key player at the heart of midfield for the Spaniard this season.

“There was one guy, his name is Mikel Arteta,” Xhaka said.

“I will always support him, it doesn’t matter what happens. Without him, I am 100 per cent sure I would not be in the club anymore.

“He knows that, I have a very good and honest relationship with him. It doesn’t matter what happens on the pitch, I will never ever be against him or say something against him.

“He deserves my respect, but the respect from my family as well. I was gone. I did not want to wear the shirt anymore. He gave me the feeling to do it again.”

Meanwhile, Declan Rice’s £105million move from West Ham is expected to be announced this week.

Rice cut short his holiday in Dubai to return to the UK where he will put pen to paper on a five year contract with the Gunners.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber will also arrive at Emirates Stadium for a fee in the region of £40million plus add ons.

Timber, 22, is likely to become Mikel Arteta’s first choice right back next season as he competes with Takehiro Tomiyasu for the position.