Granit Xhaka 'has told Mikel Arteta he wants to leave Arsenal'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have a number of squad issues to address this summer once the season has been completed.

While Arsenal still have an outside chance of winning the Premier League, it looks increasingly unlikely the title will be heading to the Emirates - with Manchester City four points clear at the top of the table and only three games remaining in their season.

Arsenal are set to fall just short after leading the league for the majority of the campaign and Arteta will be desperate to sign the reinforcements needed to mount another title challenge next term.

He is set to be handed a transfer war chest of up to £200m for new signings, with the club reportedly prepared to sell 10 players in order to fund the squad overhaul.

Top of the Spaniard's shopping list will be a new midfield, with West Ham captain Declan Rice and Brighton star Moises Caicedo high on the list of targets for the Gunners.

Xhaka set to leave Arsenal

Arsenal are seemingly planning for life without vice-captain Granit Xhaka, who is expected to leave the Emirates this summer.

London World claim the midfielder, who first joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, is ready for a new challenge.

It comes amid reports his wife, Leonita, is keen to return to Germany.

Xhaka is under contract with Arsenal until 2024 but Arteta is prepared to allow the midfielder to leave if the club receives a suitable offer this summer.

London World journalist Chris Wheatley claims the midfielder has already informed Arteta that he wants to leave the club.

"It's true: Granit Xhaka expected to leave Arsenal this summer after seven years at the club," tweeted Wheatley.

"Swiss captain seeking new challenge. Already informed Mikel Arteta about his decision, but fully focused on final games."

Bayer Leverkusen have been strongly linked with a move for Xhaka, who has managed an impressive return of seven goals and seven assists in 45 games for the Gunners this season.

German football expert Florian Plettenberg has confirmed Leverkusen are interested in Xhaka but are yet to make contact with Arsenal.

"News #Xhaka: Leverkusen is still pushing to sign him! It's looking very good," tweeted Plettenberg.

"[Xabi] Alonso wants him as a top leader. Understand that Xhaka wants to take on another challenge this summer. But he's totally focused on @Arsenal now.

"Price valuation of around €15m. No negotiations between the clubs yet."

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano later added: "Granit Xhaka, set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season. No negotiations over new deal and plan to part ways in June.

"Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to sign him — €15m fee. Understand personal terms are almost agreed over four year deal — June 2027."