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      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is a very good footballer but three weaknesses have stopped him from being great

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      GRANIT XHAKA leaving Arsenal and then performing as he did against France is a touch ironic. No fan likes a player to be disrespectful to the club paying their wages – and the Switzerland midfielder seemingly trying to engineer a move from Arsenal to Roma risks tarnishing his legacy. 
      Granit Xhaka hopes to seal a much reported move from Arsenal to RomaCredit: The Mega Agency
      The Switzerland captain’s relationship with Arsenal fans has been a mix of highs and lowsCredit: Getty
      However, many reading this may well ask the question ‘what legacy?’ And this tells its own story.
      After five years in North London the fact that the Swiss skipper still divides Arsenal supporters is a testament, in my opinion, that he was never quite good enough.
      If you are a top player for a club there would never be such a stark division – but those who do not see his qualities at all are being highly unfair.
      Xhaka has exceptional quality in many aspects, most notably his passing range and accuracy, his work rate, and his willingness to play for the team, wherever and however he is asked to play. 
      This past season he has covered for Tierney when he advanced and even played at left-back in the Scotland international’s absence. 
      And when he is not in our midfield, we have missed his continuity and metronomic passing, but still many will not be crying at his departure.
      It is fair to ask if this sentiment is a lack of respect or a desire to see Arsenal competing at the top once more. 
      And also whether Thomas Partey needs a different type of partner to make this possible. 

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      Arsenal fans have had issues with Xhaka’s mobility in midfieldCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      In five seasons, Xhaka has helped his team lift two FA Cups, but his tenure – as many will swiftly point out – has coincided with the club ceasing their long-running association with Champions League football.
      In truth, I think the fallout when he was captain under Emery, was all linked to his position on the pitch and this was perhaps the issue when Wenger brought him to the club. 
      The suggestion was that he was the heir apparent to Gilberto Silva, but then it became fast obvious he was not. 
      It was when Emery expected him to play as a defensive midfielder, when he had bought Lucas Torreira for the role, that the fans turned.
      And this souring between supporters and Xhaka led to his infamous storming off the pitch against Crystal Palace. 
      To be a top player in the defensive midfield role in a division with the pace of the Premier League, you need to possess high-level mobility and speed to complement your reading of the game.  
      Xkaka is a very good footballer, but he is not a great footballer and the difference in this instance is in my view down to three factors. 
      Firstly, his lack of mobility and pace across the ground to recover. 
      Xhaka has enjoyed an impressive run in the Euros after criticism at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Secondly, his inability to concentrate for a whole match, as lapses in that key position have too often caused the Gunners to be overrun. 
      Lastly, the game picture in the head, which allows the great players to see the pass early and play it quickly. 
      Xhaka too often slows Arsenal in transition and while he has the passing vision, without doubt, he does not pass quickly or early often enough.
      Italy’s Serie A may well offer the Switzerland captain a slightly slower pace and it may well suit his ‘deep-lying playmaker’ attributes. 
      And the wantaway Emirates ace may get to play in a midfield three, something he has done for his national team quite often, but rarely for the Gunners.

      However, at present Switzerland are playing a 3-4-3 which also offers greater protection against his frailties. 
      Personally, I have enjoyed watching the best of Xhaka at Arsenal and cringed at his worst moments.
      He has still been one of our most consistent performers in an era of inconsistency under three different managers. 
      At this point, I hope we will have a mutually agreeable and respectful parting of ways – particularly if Roma are prepared to stump up a fee that reflects Xhaka’s age and ability. 
      Arteta has invested in Thomas Partey to be the new midfield lynchpin and he feels he needs a more agile and defensive partner for us to see the best of the Ghanaian. 
      Arsenal will be looking for a new midfield partner for star signing Thomas ParteyCredit: Rex
      In short, Xhaka wants a fresh start and that suits Arsenal and the direction the current regime wishes to take the team.
      I hope now the player keeps quiet and allows the transfer to progress in a manner that suits his current employers, and not in a manner that suits only him and his suitors. 
      That way for those of us who have valued his contribution, he can be remembered fondly. 
      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka says everyone who is from Switzerland can be very proud of victory over France More

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      Five players Arsenal should never have let go including Serge Gnabry and Donyell Malen

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      EURO 2020 continues to remind Arsenal fans what could have been as former players shine on the big stage. Holland may have crashed out of the tournament, but the future looks bright with forward Donyell Malen.
      Donyell Malen has been impressive for Holland during the EurosCredit: AFP
      The 22-year-old, who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven, has put himself in the shop window after a string of hugely impressive performances.
      And Gunners fans certainly won’t need reminding of the decision to let Serge Gnabry go.
      Despite a short spell at the club, he became an instant fan favourite after scoring four times against rivals Tottenham in the Champions League.
      Here, SunSport runs the rule over five ex-Arsenal players the club should never have let go.
      Serge Gnabry
      Not many Arsenal staff and supporters could have predicted Gnabry’s rise to the top.
      Signed in a £100,000 deal from Stuttgart in 2011, Gnabry only featured 18 times for the club before a loan stint with West Brom under Tony Pulis.
      But he made just three appearances at the Baggies before Werder Bremen signed him permanently for £5million.
      He would join Bayern Munich in 2018 before going on to win six major pieces of silverware.
      Gnabry also won Bayern’s Player of the Season in the 2018-19 campaign.
      Serge Gnabry barely got a look in at Arsenal before becoming a world starCredit: Rex Features
      Donyell Malen
      The North Londoners brought the forward to England in 2015 from Ajax, with the player making his senior debut against Sydney FC in a pre-season game in 2017.
      But he failed to convince the club he deserved a chance in the Premier League – a decision they immediately regretted.
      PSV signed the striker for just £500,000 in 2017 and he is now worth around £35m after scoring 19 goals last season.
      Malen also earned praise following his Euro 2020 exploits and has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
      Donyell Malen joined Arsenal as a youth player before moving to PSV EindhovenCredit: Rex Features
      Emiliano Martinez
      The Argentine had six different loan spells including at Oxford and Rotherham before finally being handed his opportunity in June 2020.
      Bernd Leno’s injury saw Martinez make 23 appearances and he became an FA Cup hero when he lifted the trophy later that season.
      Boss Mikel Arteta opted to keep Leno as his No1 and therefore sold Martinez to Aston Villa for £20m.
      He has enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign at Villa and won their Player of the Season.

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      Emiliano Martinez has emerged as one of the Prem’s best goalkeepersCredit: Getty
      Santi Cazorla
      A cult hero in North London, Cazorla’s career looked on the brink of being over following a string of long-term injuries.
      The magical Spaniard spent six years with Arsenal, making 180 appearances until leaving on a free transfer to Villarreal.
      Against all the odds, Cazorla would go on to rediscover his best form for the Yellow Submarine and made 86 appearances across two seasons.
      In the 2019/20 season he scored 11 times and assisted a further nine.
      Santi Cazorla resdiscovered his best form at VillarrealCredit: EPA

      Carlos Vela
      The Mexican forward joined Arsenal as a youngster in 2005 but was forced to wait until 2008 to make his debut.
      He played 62 times for Arsenal in all competitions over three seasons before joining West Brom on loan and then Real Sociedad.
      It was at the Spanish club that Vela reached his full potential scoring 73 goals over 250 appearances in LaLiga.
      Vela is now enjoying a career swansong with Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
      Carlos Vela enjoyed a hugely successful career at Real SociedadCredit: EPA
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      Kieran Tierney signs bumper new five-year Arsenal contract More

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      Arsenal in Aaron Ramsey transfer blow with former fan favourite hoping for Juventus lifeline under Max Allegri

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      ARSENAL’S hopes of re-signing Juventus ace Aaron Ramsey have been dashed with the midfielder reportedly opting to stay in Italy.The Welsh midfielder has been boosted by Massimiliano Allegri’s return to the Juve dug-out, according to Sky Sports.
      Ramsey has reportedly decided to stay with Juve and claim his place in the team under new boss AllegriCredit: Getty
      The 53-year-old Italian orchestrated Ramsey’s move from Arsenal to the Serie A giants when he was boss in 2019.
      He left before the pair had even got the chance to work together, but did hand Ramsey the No8 shirt before his exit.
      Although the Welsh wizard has made 65 Juve starts during his tenure, he’s struggled to hold down a regular first-team spot due to injury.
      With Allegri’s return to the Allianz Stadium, the ex-Gunners maestro allegedly believes now’s the time for him to cement his place in the side.
      After his Welsh team were knocked of out Euro 2020 with a crushing 4-0 bruising to Denmark, Ramsey reportedly plans to return to Italy for pre-season training to show his worth.
      Just a few days ago, it was claimed that the 30-year-old could be heading back to the Emirates as part of a swap deal with wonderkid Folarin Balogun.
      The Old Lady were said to want to offer Ramsey to the Gunners in exchange for the 20-year-old US star who scored twice in the Europa League last season.
      But Juve are yet to make a formal offer.
      Ramsey’s agent David Baldwin also denied his client, who has two years left on his contract, is leaving the club.

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      In response to an Arsenal fan who wrote on Twitter that Ramsey was on his way back, he wrote: “I’m sorry but can you stop making things up please. There is not a shred of truth in your tweet.”
      The Gunners aren’t the only Premier League side that Ramsey has been linked with in recent times.
      Crystal Palace and West Ham were also said to be interested in luring him back to English soil but neither deal materialised.
      Wales’ Aaron Ramsey celebrates goal against Turkey at Euro 2020 More

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      Arsenal’s ten-man transfer wishlist including Ben White and James Maddison revealed as they target five top signings

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      BEN WHITE and James Maddison are just two names reportedly on Arsenal’s ten-man transfer wishlist.Mikel Arteta is attempting to rebuild the Gunners this summer after they failed to qualify for European competition for the first time in 25 years.
      Mikel Arteta reportedly has ten names on his transfer wishlist this summerCredit: EPA
      Ben White is one of at least five transfers the Spaniard hopes to completeCredit: Getty
      As revealed by SunSport, they have already had one bid of £42million — in an overall deal which could have been worth £45m — rejected by Brighton for defender White.
      The clubs are locked in talks with Albion owner Tony Bloom refusing to back down.
      Arteta is also interested in Leicester City attacker Maddison – who The Athletic state is part of transfer wishlist that stretches to ten names.
      And Arsenal want at least five of those players to help them mount a serious challenge to get back in the top four next term.
      The North London side are edging closer to an agreement over a deal with Anderlecht for 21-year-old Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
      The report also states the Gunners, who may lose Granit Xhaka to Roma, could ‘require further reinforcements’ in midfield even if Lokonga arrives.
      Both Wolves’ Portuguese star Ruben Neves and Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, who seems set to join Juventus, are players of interest.
      Arsenal are keen on a new right-back and this latest report states they are interested in USA international Tyler Adams of RB Leipzig – although the boyhood Gooner prefers playing in midfield.
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      Another Sassuolo player, Turkey international Mert Muldur, is another name being considered as a potential incoming full-back.
      The 22-year-old has represented Austria twice at this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament and has been watched for several months by the Emirates outfit.
      Although left-back is not a key position Arteta wants to strengthen, Arsenal are also believed to be Real Madrid’s 19-year-old Miguel Gutierrez. 
      He made his senior bow for Los Blancos in April and he made a further five first-team appearances before the end of the campaign.
      A new goalkeeper is also on Arteta’s wishlist.
      They are reportedly in talks over a possible deal for Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale, 23, who is currently with the England squad on Euro duty.
      Icelandic international Alex Runarsson failed to impress last season which led to Mat Ryan joining on-loan from Brighton in January.
      Leicester City’s James Maddison is another player Arsenal are keen onCredit: PA
      But Arteta does not want another ‘stop-gap signing’ and the younger Ramsdale’s qualification as a homegrown player makes him an attractive option.
      And permanently re-signing Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid is also being considered.
      The 22-year-old Norwegian did well in midfield after he arrived on-loan in January.
      However, Arsenal feel that the star would have to push for his Bernabeu exit, something they have had no indication he is willing to do.
      And even though they have not given up hope of that happening, they are already pursuing other targets.
      To help facilitate the moves above, the Gunners are willing to sell a number of players to free up cash and space in their squad.
      William Saliba, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Xhaka and Hector Bellerin are all expected to be allowed to leave if the price is right this summer.
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