Premier League newcomers Sunderland on Wednesday announced the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of £17.3 million ($23 million).

The 32-year-old Swiss international, who previously captained Arsenal, has signed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Xhaka left the Gunners in 2023 and won the Bundesliga and German Cup with Leverkusen during his spell at the club.

"I'm very proud to be here," he said. "When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. 

"It's exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history."

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said he was delighted that Xhaka had joined.

"His arrival is a significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a team our supporters can be proud of in the Premier League," he said.

"His accomplishments and quality need little introduction –- he's a player of the highest calibre on and off the field, who we feel is the perfect match to the profile required in our team."

Xhaka's switch to Sunderland is the latest signing in a busy transfer window for the club, promoted to the Premier League in May via the Championship play-offs.

Sunderland open their Premier League campaign on August 16 against West Ham at the Stadium of Light.