Sunderland land former Arsenal star in shock move as he returns to EPL

Xhaka made 297 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 23 goals and providing 29 assists, while also winning two FA Cups.

During his time at Leverkusen, he made 99 appearances, scoring six goals and registering nine assists. He also won the Bundesliga and the German Cup.

Sunderland have landed Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, according to Fabrizio Romano, via Sportal.

The Black Cats have reached an agreement with Leverkusen, and the Swiss international is expected to travel to England on Monday (28/7) for a medical, to sign his contract and finalise the move.

Sunderland will pay a fee of €20 million for Xhaka, who will sign a two-year contract, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2027.

The 32-year-old returns to England after two seasons in Germany with Leverkusen, having previously played for Arsenal.

This is Sunderland's seventh signing of the summer, following Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Fée, Selim Ben Seghir, Noah Sadiki and Reynaldo Mandava.