Arsenal ‘open to Granit Xhaka transfer offers’ as midfielder fights to save career under Arteta after Burnley red card
GRANIT XHAKA could leave Arsenal in January if a transfer bid arrives, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta was left fuming with the Swiss midfielder after his red card for grabbing Burnley’s Ashley Westwood by the throat on Sunday.
bGranit Xhaka became the sixth player sent off since Mikel Arteta took over – the mosts in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The dismissal left the Gunners a man light as they suffered a fourth consecutive home defeat in the league.
And Arsenal are open to offers for Xhaka when the January transfer window opens, according to the Mail.
The 28-year-old’s time in North London appeared to be over last year when Unai Emery stripped him of the captaincy.
A clash with fans as he was substituted against Crystal Palace in October 2019 led to a spell out of the side, until Emery was sacked.
Arteta has happily relied upon Xhaka with a regular spot in the team since his appointment.
But the club’s descent to 15th in the table this season has come amid a serious discipline problem, which Sunday’s red card embodied.
🔴 | Most Premier League red cards since Mikel Arteta’s first game as Arsenal manager in December 2019…6️⃣ – #AFC3️⃣ – #BHAFC3️⃣ – #EFC3️⃣ – #LCFC3️⃣ – #MCFC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2020
Following Nicolas Pepe’s similar off-the-ball dismissal against Leeds last month, Gunners coach Arteta was left cursing Xhaka.
When comparing the two sendings off, he said: “In these conditions, [Xhaka’s is] even worse.
“The conditions we are in, without winning football matches, you cannot do that.
“I think it is related to how much will and energy they want to put in the games that they overstep the line.
“It is not an excuse because I want to be brave and be there to do what we have done today again – because you just give the game to the opponent.”
Since Arteta took over Arsenal, he has seen six players sent off – at least double any other top-flight club’s tally over the same period.
Technical director Edu threw his support behind the manager on Monday.
But the Brazilian acknowledged that ill-discipline is derailing the Gunners’ efforts.
He told reporters: “This [discipline] is something important to mention because that means you have to be here and be prepared to face that situation because sometimes you get emotional.
“Then you react the way you don’t need to react, and sometimes you make a mistake like they have done.”
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
Arsenal fan can’t bear to watch Burnley defeat and covers his eyes with face mask More
