Granit Xhaka was looking all set to leave Arsenal this summer, after a 5-year stint at the club. AS Roma were strongly interested in signing the Swiss International, but unfortunately, the talks collapsed between the two clubs, as the Serie A side were not able to meet Arsenal’s valuation of £20 Million.
While Arsenal’s decision may appear to be a U-turn, Mikel Arteta played a major role in convincing him to stay at Arsenal, as he considers him as a key player for the first-team squad.
In the preseason friendly defeat, against London rivals Chelsea, Xhaka was subbed on at the 40th minute, replacing fellow midfielder Thomas Partey who was injured before halftime after a tough tackle from Ruben Loftus Cheek. Xhaka scored the equalizing goal from a corner kick from Nicolas Pepe, but it wasn’t enough as Chelsea ran out of winners, following a goal from Arsenal target Tammy Abraham.
In a post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed Xhaka is going nowhere by saying “Xhaka is staying. He wanted to play. He is a key player for us.”
Granit Xhaka also posted a photo on Instagram, with the caption “It felt really good to be home”, which guaranteed the Arsenal fans, that he loves the club and will sign the new contract.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder is expected is to sign a contract, which will keep him at the club until June 2025 with an increased wage. The announcement is said to be imminent.
Granit Xhaka new contract with Arsenal will be until June 2025 with an increased salary, confirmed and completed with his agents after Roma talks collapsed. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
New deal also expected to be announcee soon by Arsenal, as @jamesbenge confirmed. https://t.co/y5FS1AwiEt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2021
On Sunday, Arsenal will face north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as a part of their preseason friendly, and with Thomas Partey injured, Granit is expected to start the match in midfield.
