Granit Xhaka issues huge update on his Arsenal future

When he’s not being shunted out to left-back in bizarre tactical meltdowns, Granit Xhaka has proven himself to be a valuable member of this Arsenal team.

As maligned as he may be, there remains a dependence on his presence to make this side a more rounded unit. The recent defeat to Brighton painted a clear picture of what is missed when he is no longer in the centre of the pitch without Thomas Partey.

Despite the solidity and progression he brings, there is a general consensus that in order for this team to develop and take the next step that he can be upgraded. With Mikel Arteta now regimented in his favoured 4-3-3 shape with Partey as the lone No. 6, Xhaka’s role has evolved.

No longer part of a double pivot, he operates in an advanced role, one that, by all accounts, shouldn’t suit his skillset. To have performed as he has as a left-sided No. 8 despite his limitations is a credit to his commitment. His form has been consistently strong. Someone like Emile Smith Rowe may be more technically suited, yet it’s Xhaka who plays there. Across this Premier League season he’s been the best option.

Granit Xhaka issues huge update on his Arsenal future as rumours remain of a fresh transfer approach from Roma in the summer

Coming to within a whisker of leaving the club at the end of last season, were it not for a few millions pounds he’d be featuring under Jose Mourinho right now. Roma’s unwillingness to pay Xhaka’s worth with a series of derisory offers meant that the Swiss not only stayed, he signed a new contract too. The latter point has been hotly debated.

Extending for a further 12 months, it’s still been felt that he could move on in the summer as Roma’s interest has not dissipated. However, speaking to The Players’ Tribune, he insists he has finished business.

"“After the season I still have two years’ contract here,” he said. “I will give everything until I’m [no longer] at this football club. I always say that.“I didn’t sign a new contract only to be here for…enjoy my time and that’s it. No, no, I want to achieve something with this club. Something special.“And before that, I don’t leave.”"

Looking at this team and where the progression comes from, the centre-forward position is the obvious area to upgrade. Firstly, in the summer Arsenal won’t have anyone to fill that role anyway, so it’s pretty clean cut.

Elsewhere, it’s hard not to see the left No. 8 role and think the same. At this present time Xhaka is of massive importance to Arsenal, but believing that and also seeing where the step up can be – someone who can distribute and carry the ball, allowing for greater interchanging in positional play – are acceptable opinions to hold at once.

Yet, it’s no secret that Arteta trusts Xhaka with his life, in whatever position that may be, and his comments suggest there may be a mutual agreement on what the next step is.

This isn’t just a ‘let’s wait and see’ stock comment. This is a hard stance on where he is. It’s a firm statement, but then again, Xhaka would never do or say anything in half measures.