Granit Xhaka set for Arsenal return ahead of crucial West Ham clash

Granit Xhaka's wife, Leonita, has taken to social media confirming that the pair are back in London ahead of this evening's Premier League clash between Arsenal and West Ham United. The Swiss international spent seven years plying his trade for the Gunners before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen during the 2023 summer transfer window.

Life in Leverkusen has been extremely fruitful since then, with Xabi Alonso's side currently top of the Bundesliga, unbeaten after 16 league outings. But German football is in the midst of a winter break, which has allowed Xhaka to travel back to England to attend his former club's home game against West Ham tonight.

«It will be our chance to say goodbye to the players, the staff and the supporters properly,” the tough-tackling midfielder told The Athletic in a recent interview. It will be an emotional return for both the Emirates Stadium crowd and the 31-year-old, who Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has consistently championed during his time in the managerial dugout.

“We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us,» Arteta told Arsenal.com when Xhaka's departure was announced in July. «It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club.

''The influence Granit has had on his team mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is. We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years.

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»We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives." The Gunners can go top