MIKEL ARTETA insists that Granit Xhaka is staying at Arsenal after talks over a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma collapsed.
The 28-year-old Swiss international captain had his heart set on a move to Serie A after five years at the Emirates.
But Arteta said: “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.”
Xhaka scored a 70th minute equaliser for Arsenal in their 2-1 home friendly defeat to Chelsea.
And the Gunners are now believed to be ready to offer their former captain a new contract after Roma failed to meet their asking price.
The midfielder has two years remaining on his current contract and Arsenal do not want to risk Xhaka leaving on a free transfer.
The Gunners reportedly rejected a £13million offer from Mourinho’s Italians earlier this summer despite Xhaka all-but confirming he wanted to leave.
He said: “Arsenal know what I want to do… it is very beautiful here [in Rome].”
Now Arteta wants to hold on to the combative midfielder as he attempts to win over the Arsenal fans and revive the club.
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The Gunners missed out on qualification for Europe last season and the club are lacking experience in their team.
Xhaka, 28, has spent five years with Arsenal and made 45 appearances for the club last season.
But he has had a chequered relationship with their fans after swearing at them as he was booed off the pitch in 2019.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
