Report: Xhaka in talks to join Hertha Berlin

Granit Xhaka could be set for a return to Germany.

Less than two months after he was stripped of the captaincy at Arsenal, Xhaka is in talks to join Hertha Berlin in January, according to Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC.

Arsenal likely won't receive a transfer fee worth as much as the €45 million they paid to sign Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016. The holding midfielder is expected to cost Hertha Berlin between €20 million and €30 million, Uersfeld added.

It's a move that could provide Xhaka with a fresh start after he fell out of favor at Arsenal due to a dispute with the club's fans in October.

Xhaka was urged to issue an apology after appearing to swear at disgruntled Arsenal supporters when he was removed from a match against Crystal Palace. He was later replaced as captain by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Although he's insisted that he is committed to Arsenal, Xhaka's role remains unclear after the Gunners appointed Mikel Arteta as their new manager on Friday.

Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin is apparently attempting to add reinforcements during the winter signing period in an effort to turn their season around.

Former United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was named interim manager in November - a role he's expected to hold until the end of this season.

Hertha Berlin sit 13th in the Bundesliga table after 16 matches.