Arsenal: 17 players on loan or with 2023 contract expiry
Granit Xhaka
It’s the right time for Xhaka and Arsenal to part ways. From the moment Arteta convinced him to stay in the 2019/20 winter market, it was always felt that this was with a gentleman’s agreement that if he found the club for him in the summer of 2021, he’d be allowed to leave.
Roma have emerged as the front runners to secure him (with Mourinho at the helm of all people) and talks are already underway to bring him to Serie A on a £18m transfer.
Arsenal can definitely squeeze more out of willing buyers even if the market is stretched at the minute.
Crucially, it’s about finding a near identical replacement. Xhaka is the ball progressor in the side and being left footed also plays into it. He isn’t someone readily replaced. It’s a unique profile, but one that can be upgraded on.
Verdict: Sell