Granit Xhaka staying at Arsenal could be blessing in disguise

Granit Xhaka looked destined to be on his way to Italian side Roma just weeks ago, however now he is set to stay at the Emirates amid rumoured interest in other options. There have been several reports flying around that Arsenal is in talks to extend the Swiss international’s current deal. It’s quite the turnaround.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta even stated to the media after his side’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea that Xhaka was going nowhere.

"“Granit is going to stay with us. He is a key member of our squad and a player that we rate and value so much. “He only trained for two days but still wanted to play in this game and I think that is a very clear commitment from him that he wants to be here,” Arteta said. More from Pain in the Arsenal 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win"

Granit Xhaka staying at Arsenal could be blessing in disguise as Roma transfer falls through with Arteta set to keep Swiss midfielder in summer window

Now some fans have been wanting Xhaka out of the club ever since that moment against Crystal Palace back in October of 2019. Plenty still before that.

Xhaka responded to the thousands of jeers and boos directed at him by the home faithful and proceeded to take off his Arsenal shirt, throw it on the ground and tell the crowd to “f**k off” before heading straight down the tunnel. We remember it vividly.

It was a watershed moment in which every Arsenal fan never wanted to see him take the pitch again. Say what you want about the 28-year-old, but the way he has fought back since that incident is nothing short of remarkable.

Arguably one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers over Arteta’s reign as Gunners boss, the midfielder did look to be on his way out of the club yet again. This time Roma came calling but fell short in its pathetic bid as Arsenal demanded a fee which wasn’t met by the Serie A club.

So, it looks for all world now that Xhaka will remain at the Emirates – and it is not the worst idea. If Arsenal does keep him, then Arteta’s midfield has another body and a proven Premier League player.

Last campaign, Xhaka was a consistent performer in the middle of the park and even deputized at left-back in the absence of Kieran Tierney, performing admirably. His range of passing, tackling, on-field leadership and versatility were all on show.

After having a stellar Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland, Xhaka returned to the Arsenal side against Chelsea, albeit as a substitute for the injured Thomas Partey. The Swiss international put forth a Man of the Match performance as he made an instant impact despite only having trained for two days prior.

Him staying is a blessing in a not-so-subtle disguise.

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