Granit Xhaka says he’s been in ‘daily contact’ with three Arsenal players since leaving

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Granit Xhaka will be back in North London in Bayer Leverkusen’s colours to take on Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.

The Switzerland midfielder spent seven years as a Gunner after Arsene Wenger signed him from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.

He went through a lot at the Emirates but won everyone’s support before leaving as a hero in 2023.

Now, after winning the Bundesliga title in Germany with Leverkusen, Xhaka will face Arsenal in the Emirates Cup on Wednesday evening.

Granit Xhaka names three Arsenal stars he talks to every day

Xhaka divided the Arsenal fan base for most of his time at the Emirates Stadium, but he was always a very popular member within the squad.

The midfielder was named as the captain by Unai Emery following Laurent Koscielny’s departure, but he was stripped of the position after his infamous outburst in a game against Crystal Palace.

Xhaka’s Arsenal career looked like it was done at that point, but Mikel Arteta came in and turned his whole world around.

The Swiss international earned back the respect of Arsenal fans and was given a standing ovation when he bid goodbye on the final day of the 2022/23 season.

Xhaka will now return to the Emirates, and he is expected to play a part when Bayer Leverkusen take on Arsenal in the first game of the Emirates Cup on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the game, Xhaka revealed that he is still in constant contact with three Arsenal players – Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

He told BILD: “If you play in a club for seven years, the return is always special. Mainly because of the people of the past. I had a wonderful time at Arsenal and still have daily contact with many players and the staff.

“From the team especially with Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. I’m looking forward to the game, a very strong opponent. An opponent that we also have to prepare for the Champions League. “

READ MORE: Why Granit Xhaka actually has a valid point as his comments about Arsenal exit go viral

Arteta could sign Arsenal’s new Xhaka very soon

Xhaka was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in his final season at Arsenal.

Arteta deployed him in that left-sided number-eight role, and his performances there played a huge part in helping the club compete for the title.

The Gunners haven’t had a proper replacement for Xhaka in that position since his departure, but that could change very soon.

Reports have revealed that Arsenal are close to signing Mikel Merino, and the Spaniard is the perfect man to take Xhaka’s role in the Gunners’ squad.

It remains to be seen if Edu can get Merino in before Arsenal take on Wolves in the first game of the new Premier League season.