GRANIT XHAKA is angry with Mikel Arteta for his apparent “two-faced” approach to his future, it has been claimed.
Xhaka’s agent revealed on Boxing Day that an agreement has been reached between the player and Hertha Berlin and it just needs Arsenal to agree a fee.
Granit Xhaka is said to be angry with Mikel Arteta for his apparent two-faced approach to the midfielder’s futureCredit: Getty – Contributor
But Xhaka is angry at Arteta’s apparent hypocrisy after the Spaniard publicly bigged him up despite telling him privately he can leave next summer, according to German outlet Blick.
The Swiss played 90 minutes in the Gunners’ 1-1 Boxing Day draw at Bournemouth and was one of Arsenal’s better players.
But it appears the cracks formed before Arteta arrived – when the 27-year-old told fans to “F*** off” – run too deep and he is clearly keen to leave.
Xhaka’s agent Jose Noguera spoke in stunningly honest fashion about his man’s future when asked.
He said: “Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin.
“We have told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sporting director Edu Gaspar, as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.
“Arsenal was informed about all the steps and the player and Hertha are clear.
“It’s only about the transfer fee of the clubs.”
He also added that Hertha have offered Arsenal a fee of £21.3m for Xhaka’s services, meaning the Gunners would take a £17m hit on a player they signed from Borussia Monchengladbach for £38m in 2016.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk