Granit Xhaka Arsenal reunion thrown into doubt as manager puts his foot down over transfer

As former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka looks to be closing in on a transfer to newly-promoted Sunderland, his Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag appears to have taken a stance against the move.

The 32-year-old left the Gunners in the summer of 2023, bringing an end to a seven-year spell in North London in which he captained the side and won the FA Cup and Community Shield twice apiece.

As his first year in Leverkusen brought great success in the form of an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double, it looked as if Xhaka's time in the Premier League would be over for good.

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But the opportunity for him to return emerged this week as Sunderland made a surprising attempt to land the experienced midfielder.

The Championship Play-Off winners have struck an agreement in principle for former Arsenal man, as confirmed by his agent, Jose Noguera.

He told Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg: "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."

But according to BILD, this saga has not gone down well with the club's new manager, former Man United boss Ten Hag.

"The agent can say anything, but this club has already sold three important players. We won’t let go of any more players; that’s not possible," the 55-year-old told reporters after Tuesday's training session during their pre-season tour of Brazil.

"That would neglect the structure and culture of the squad. Clearly, Granit is a leader. He signed for five years and has three years left on his contract. He’s too important for us to let go."

Xhaka himself has not commented on matters yet and the German publication suggests he would do but is bound from doing so.

Meanwhile Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has said: "I've always said that Granit is an important leader. The coach and I have a very similar perspective."

On Xhaka's agent speaking out, he added: "There are many topics that repeatedly spark discussions and conversations. That's why it doesn't shock me."

If the Swiss international is able to complete his return to England he would be in line to face Mikel Arteta's men at least twice.

Xhaka would come up against Arsenal for the first time in November, when the Gunners visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday, November 8.

A few more months down the line they do battle at the Emirates Stadium. The reverse fixture between the clubs is currently scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2026.