Mikel Arteta has green-lit a new contract for Granit Xhaka after a successful season for the 30-year-old Swiss international.
According to TEAMtalk, Granit Xhaka is on the verge of signing a new deal with Arsenal after a tremendous season under his belt. In addition, Mikel Arteta has green-lit talks with the 30-year-old Swiss captain, as his influence in the dressing room is considered important.
Back in 2019, Granit Xhaka wanted to leave the club. Arsenal fans wanted him out, and the door seemed open for a departure. In that infamous clash with Crystal Palace, the then Gunners skipper threw the shirt on the ground after cupping his ears towards the supports amid boos from the crowd at the Emirates.
He was destined to depart in January 2020. However, Mikel Arteta’s arrival in December 2019 convinced Xhaka to stay put until the end of the season. And see where things went from there. The 30-year-old was convinced the club will go in the right direction under the Spanish manager and has since reaped its rewards.
Even in the summer of 2021, Xhaka was close to joining AS Roma. But Arsenal’s inability at that time to sign a replacement might have played its part in keeping the player at the Emirates. The Switzerland captain surprised many by signing a new deal and remaining for three more years.
Since then, he has transformed into one of the key players under Arteta. And he could sign fresh terms before the current season ends. Xhaka has played every Premier League game this season as Arsenal challenge for the title this term.
The 30-year-old has taken up a new role, which allows him to attack the ball more. He has three goals and five assists this term, numbers he has never posted before in an Arsenal shirt. He is considered influential on and off the pitch, as Xhaka is seen as a leader by those young Gunners’ stars.
While Arsenal are inching closer to extending Bukayo Saka’s contract, a new deal for Xhaka is also on the cards. Arteta has reportedly green-lit talks with his entourage over the extension, and discussions could ensue in the coming time. And Xhaka is also leaning towards remaining at the club.
Arsenal are also keen to extend William Saliba’s contract, while they have successfully handed new deals to Brazilian pair Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli over the course of the season.
