Arsenal star Granit Xhaka closing in on Hertha Berlin switch with cut-price transfer set to be sealed next week
GRANIT XHAKA is set to end his Arsenal hell and become a Hertha Berlin player by the end of next week, according to reports.
The Bundesliga side, managed by Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann, want the Swiss midfielder to be part of their squad for their mid-season training camp.
Hertha fly to Florida two days after the January transfer window opens on New Year's Day, say the .
Xhaka, who was stripped of the captaincy by former boss Unai Emery following an X-rated rant at fans in November, had his agent confirm his move to Hertha is on.
Money man Jose Noguera said: "Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin.
"We have told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sporting director Edu Gaspar, as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.
"Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear.
"It’s only about the transfer fee of the clubs."
Xhaka was reportedly furious with new gaffer Mikel Arteta for his apparent hypocrisy after the Spaniard's public comments about how much he values him as a player.
Arteta is believed to have told Xhaka in private that he is free to leave the North London club, although he would prefer not to rush through a deal so he can assess his squad.
Xhaka, 27, moved to Arsenal for £35million in 2016 and his current contract runs until 2023.
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Hertha are hoping to use the uncertainty surrounding his future to thrash out a bargain deal.
They think they can sign him for less than the £38million Arsenal paid three years ago.
Reports claimed the German outfit had offered a fee of £21.3m but it is unclear if this had been accepted.