Arsenal are keen on keeping Granit Xhaka and are set to discuss a potential new deal after a sensational start to the season.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are eager to open contract talks with Granit Xhaka after the midfielder’s sensational start to the current season. Mikel Arteta values the Swiss international and his leadership in the dressing room, opening up the possibility of keeping the midfielder beyond his current terms.
Scenes from October 2019 were still fresh in the memory of Arsenal fans when Granit Xhaka threw the captain’s armband to the ground and swore at the supporters at the Emirates. At that stage, Xhaka’s career in north London seemed to be over. But he has turned it around in style.
Unai Emery was quick to strip him of the captaincy in the aftermath, although the Spaniard’s sacking soon afterwards may have changed the scenes. Mikel Arteta’s first task was to convince Xhaka to stay put at the Emirates until the season ended, which paid dividends as Arsenal won the FA Cup.
While Xhaka continued playing for Arsenal, the summer of 2021 was when he seemed closer to the exit door than ever. The club’s inability to agree on a deal with Roma and the failure to find a suitable replacement led to them offering a new contract to Xhaka.
His current lasts until the summer of 2024, with the club reportedly holding an option to extend it further by another season. Arsenal are now poised to offer Xhaka fresh terms in light of his sensational start to the current season.
Xhaka has sensationally blossomed into a significant figure in the dressing room and continues to lead by example on the pitch. Arteta has installed him in a new attacking role, which has borne tremendous results. With two goals and three assists, he is having his best season at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Xhaka has started all games this season, becoming a crucial part of Arteta’s plans. As he shows no signs of slowing down and contrastingly improving his game, Arteta is keen to tie him down to a new deal.
Arsenal are set to open fresh talks with Xhaka after the 2022 FIFA World Cup to extend his stay. The new deal will bring an improved pay package for the midfielder, while it might offer him a slightly more extended stay than his current contract.
The Gunners are keen to extend the deals of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba before that. The news of Xhaka’s potential contract extension should also positively impact Arsenal’s efforts to extend deals for the trio.
Xhaka has fought his way back into the fanbase’s hearts and is currently one of the revered players at the club. He has already scored essential goals this term, particularly against Tottenham earlier this month. And the former Arsenal captain will be a key name for the Gunners and their quest for the Premier League title this season.
