Granit Xhaka insists his decision over Arsenal future is "not about the Mrs" as exit looms

Granit Xhaka has told fans his Arsenal future is not down to "the Mrs", despite claims that his wife 'wants to leave England'.

According to widespread reports, Xhaka will move on from the Emirates this summer after telling Mikel Arteta 'he wants to leave' the club.

The Switzerland international is yet to pen fresh terms, with Bayer Leverkusen favourites to sign him.

If it was to be his last game in the red and white, Arsenal's 5-0 win over Wolves was the perfect end to one of football's greatest redemption stories.

The 30-year-old scored a brace inside 15 minutes, and received a warm reception from the crowd when he was substituted late in the day.

He has established himself as a fan favourite this season, and would leave north London as a hero, despite a previously toxic relationship with supporters.

But Xhaka has insisted his alleged decision to part ways with the club has nothing to do with his wife, Leonita, despite initial reports suggesting she wanted to return to Germany.

Xhaka insists leaving Arsenal is "not about the Mrs"

According to German news outlet Kicker, Xhaka's wife, Leonita, who he met during his playing days at Borussia Mönchengladbach, has been wanting to return to the Rhineland for a long time.

When signing autographs for fans in his car after Sunday's 5-0 win, Xhaka was asked if he was "really going", to which he replied: We will see next week what happens."

Just out of earshot, another fan shouted, "where's the Mrs?"

Xhaka, who must have been aware of reports, and clearly eager to protect his wife, responded: "It's not about the Mrs", repeating it a second time before driving off.

Few could argue with Xhaka's decision to move onto pastures new, with the likes of Declan Rice heavily rumoured with a move to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old's arrival would undoubtedly have an affect on Xhaka's minutes, who may be keen to leave the Gunners on an all-time high.

Topics: Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Premier League, Bayer Leverkusen, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno