Arsenal: Granit Xhaka has agreement with Hertha Berlin, says agent
Despite featuring in the starting XI in Mikel Arteta's first game in charge, Granit Xhaka has told Arsenal he wants to join Hertha Berlin next month.
Granit Xhaka has reached an agreement with Bubndeliga side Hertha Berlin and has already told Arsenal that he wants to leave to join the German club, the player's agent has revealed. Xhaka's future in London has been in doubt since the midfielder reacted angrily to being replaced during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in October.
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach star cupped his ears to the home fans, who mockingly cheered his substitution during the Premier League fixture, then removed his shirt before walking straight down the tunnel. After being stripped of the captaincy by former boss Unai Emery, a January exit appeared likely. Yet new head coach Mikel Arteta has made clear of his admiration for the Switzerland international, revealing how he had suggested that Manchester City should sign him in 2016.
Arsenal pick up a point at Bournemouth
Xhaka, who joined the Gunners from Mönchengladbach, started in the 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth on Boxing Day – Arteta's first game since taking charge.
However, José Noguera claims the 27-year-old has a deal in a place with Jürgen Klinsmann's Hertha in the hope of completing a transfer in the January window. "Look, I will say it frankly and honestly - we are in agreement with Hertha and would like to go to Berlin," Noguera told Blick. "That's what we said to Arsenal's club boss Raul Sanllehi and sports director Edu Gaspar – as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta."