After seven years at the club, Granit Xhaka scored twice in what is expected to be his farewell game for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta was happy to see Granit Xhaka receive the recognition he earned during Arsenal's 5-0 demolition of Wolves, but he stayed mum regarding the midfielder's future.
With a summer transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in the works, Xhaka scored twice in the first half of what is anticipated to be his final game for the Gunners. He exited the field to a standing ovation in the 75th minute, with fans pleading with him to stay.
The Swiss international has seen a spectacular reversal since his relationship with the Emirates audience hit an all-time low in the winter of 2019 when he threw his shirt to the ground during a home game against Crystal Palace and was later relieved of his captaincy.
Xhaka was persuaded by Arteta not to leave Arsenal during the ensuing transfer window, and the 30-year-old finished the season with nine goals, which was a record for him.
Arteta replied when asked about Xhaka's upcoming departure: "You know that?
"I find it newsworthy."
The Arsenal manager was more open about how Xhaka was treated prior to, during, and after the decisive win over Wolves.
Nicely earned. His season has been fantastic, Arteta stated.
"I believe that a year ago, I challenged him to play here by telling him, 'There's a question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better.'
"He returned, and the following day, I believe he began to train. He returned for preseason four kg lighter, fitter, and with a face that looked like he was genuinely intent on doing it. He has been outstanding.
He has been a crucial component of the team's success, and I'm overjoyed that everyone recognizes his contributions.
Even if Arsenal fans would have preferred a league championship celebration on the final day of the season when they were eight points ahead of Manchester City in April, Arteta's team nonetheless finished their campaign in front of a festive environment.
After Xhaka's rapid double, the hosts' 26th league victory of the season was secured by goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Jakub Kiwior.
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