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Sommer laments Xhaka exit

Cape Town - Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer believes the sale of influential midfielder Granit Xhaka to Arsenal is a huge loss for club, both on and off the field.

The details of the transfer between the two clubs have already been concluded and Xhaka will join the Gunners as soon as the transfer window opens in July.

Sommer, who also plays alongside the 23-year-old at international level with Switzerland, is concerned the club will struggle to replace him because of how influential he was in their midfield and as a leader.

"His departure is a huge loss for us because Xhaka is not just very important as a player, but also as a person," Sommer told Sport1. "You can see that he is the one pulling the strings in midfield and our game would often run through him.

"He was the one creating our game and it's always hard when you lose such an important personality. Now we've got to find a new playmaker, but I'm sure Borussia will do a good job and soon present our new Granit Xhaka."

Despite his concerns, Sommer is adamant he has no intention of following Xhaka out the exit door any time soon.

"I'm not giving such thing any thought whatsoever," he added. "Rumours are just rumours, and that is how they will stay. I'm very happy at Borussia and am looking forward to the new season.

"I've only been here for two years and I've still got three years on my contract so there's no room for such thoughts."

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