Arsenal have no plans to sell ‘untransferrable’ Granit Xhaka amid interest from Juventus after an incredible start to the season.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Arsenal consider Granit Xhaka untouchable at the moment and will not entertain offers for the Swiss midfielder. Juventus are reportedly interested in the 29-year-old. The Gunners, however, are willing to offer a new deal to prolong his stay at the Emirates.
Revival stories are rare in football, and few come close to the one Granit Xhaka has been writing at Arsenal recently. Once banished by the club’s supporter base, the Swiss midfielder has proven his worth and become a fan favourite.
In October 2019, Xhaka swore at the fans and threw the captain’s armband to the ground. Amid boos ringing around the Emirates as Xhaka walked off the pitch, his future looked bleak at the club.
Even Xhaka admitted to having decided to leave the club after Unai Emery stripped him of the captaincy in the aftermath of that incident. A January 2020 exit seemed imminent, but before that, Arsenal had sacked Unai Emery and brought in Mikel Arteta.
The Swiss midfielder recently opened up on his conversations with Arteta. He insisted that he chose to remain at the club after just one talk. Following a second discussion after winning the FA Cup, Arteta further convinced him to continue his club career.
In the summer of 2021, Xhaka was heavily linked with a move to AS Roma, but the Serie A club failed to agree on a move with Arsenal. Subsequently, he remained and signed a new three-year deal. That contract will enter its final year next summer, and the Gunners are keen to extend his stay further.
Arsenal are planning to open talks with Xhaka over a new deal after a terrific start to the season. His performances have been superb in a more advanced role. The Swiss international, known for his midfield prowess, is now proving to be a handful in the final third.
Xhaka has chipped in with four goals in all competitions and a few assists to stake his claim. Arteta now considers him untouchable and probably one of the important players in his plans. Hence, Arsenal view him as “untransferrable” and are uninterested in possible approaches.
Juventus were reportedly considering an approach. Massimiliano Allegri is keen to add quality to his midfield. Had the Bianconeri sold Adrien Rabiot in the summer, they might have lodged an offer for Xhaka.
If Xhaka signs a new deal, he will further drift away from those links with Juventus and others. His performances have helped Arsenal to the top of the Premier League charts. Arteta will hope those performances continue throughout the season and aid Arsenal’s bid for the Premier League title.
