Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has revealed he has plans for an emotional return to the Emirates after storming to the top of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen since his departure in the summer.

Granit Xhaka looks to make an emotional return to his old stomping ground

The Swiss international is loving life since returning to Germany to play for Bayer Leverkusen

The Swiss international had an up-and-down stint at the Gunners, with the 31-year-old’s seven-year stint in north London being blighted with one infamous flashpoint in 2019 when the midfielder left the home pitch, throwing his shirt down on the floor and sarcastically applauding those booing him.

As he looked certain to leave, the arrival of Mikel Arteta revived his Arsenal career as the north Londoners made a charge for the title, challenging Manchester City before falling off after a spate of draws as the season tailed.

But since leaving England’s capital to join Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is now making a push for both the Bundesliga and the Europa League, with the German side yet to lose in either competition.

Xhaka has now taken a seat and disclosed his plans for an emotional trip back to the area he lived in for seven years, along with the names of the four Arsenal players he still keeps in regular contact with.

In an interview with The Athletic, he revealed that he still communicates with Carlos Cuesta, Arteta’s assistant, virtually every day, as well as with Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Cedric Soares.

Xhaka still keeps in touch with Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Cedric Soares 

He also hopes to use the German winter break to say his goodbyes to Arsenal fans, something he was unable to do after his summer departure.

Xhaka, who is set to be in attendance with his wife at the Premier League London derby on December 28th against West Ham, said: “It will be our chance to say goodbye to the players, the staff and the supporters properly.”

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Xhaka made his way out the exit door with just 12 months left on his contract at the Gunners, with Leverkusen believed to have been interested in him months before he made his return to Germany.

The former Arsenal captain managed five goals and seven assists, with the midfielder proving to be ever-present for Arteta’s side after almost being a certain departure just a few seasons before.