Granit Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen is no closer to completion, despite the midfielder saying his goodbyes at Arsenal’s end-of-season dinner.

Weeks after many expected Granit Xhaka’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen to be done, The Athletic report that the move is still no closer to a resolution.

Arsenal are insistent they want a replacement sorted before Xhaka leaves, which has left the Swiss international in limbo for the time being.

Chris Wheatley reports for 3AddedMinutes that Arsenal have verbally agreed a deal for Xhaka to leave, and the player even said his goodbyes to teammates at a recent end-of-season dinner, but it’s still not done yet.

Wheatley writes that Arsenal are aware that their negotiating position would be weakened by Xhaka’s exit, so they’ll hold onto him until a deal is done for a new signing.

Mikel Arteta has given his blessing to the move, albeit reluctantly.

Dharmesh Sheth writes that Bayer Leverkusen are optimistic they can complete the transfer, but again, Arsenal want to have certainty on a replacement before sanctioning it.

Arsenal’s hesitance makes perfect sense. Right now, the Gunners appear to be the favourites for Declan Rice, but we’ve seen repeatedly that these big-money deals can fall apart as rival bidders enter the picture late on.

If another club did hijack a deal for Rice, with Xhaka already having joined Leverkusen, Arsenal would then be left scrambling for a replacement very publicly.

Any intelligent club would use that in negotiations to get an extra £5-10m.

Arsenal are asking for €15m to sell Xhaka to Leverkusen, if and when the transfer eventually takes place.

On personal terms, there are expected to be no problems. Reports suggest Xhaka will sign on a four-year deal, and Kicker claim only small details remain before his contract is ready.

Xhaka will take a cut to his salary to return to the Bundesliga, and Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has reportedly had a very long talk with Xhaka, explaining his project for the coming years.