Arteta’s £17m gamble will define his Arsenal career as coach makes big transfer decision – Our View

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When Mikel Arteta confirmed this weekend that Granit Xhaka will be staying at Arsenal, the fanbase was split yet again torn.

The Swiss midfielder has been a divisive figure ever since arriving in England five years ago. Yet this summer appeared to be the closing chapter of Xhaka’s time at Arsenal.

Rumours were rife that AS Roma were closing in on the 28-year-old. With Fabrizio Romano even reporting that Xhaka had agreed on personal terms with the Italian side.

All the Serie A side had to do was meet Arsenal’s reported €20m (£17m) asking price to complete the transfer.

A deal looked almost imminent. However, fast-forward to today, and the situation couldn’t be more different.

As reported by the Athletic, Arsenal now plan to award the maestro a new long-term contract. With Fabrizio Romano further reporting that Xhaka will be awarded an increased salary with the north London side.

To say the decision has split the Arsenal fanbase in two would be an understatement.

Indeed, Xhaka is a figure in the community who is either a crucial clog or a player who the club must sell.

Arteta is taking his biggest risk yet with Xhaka

One thing is for certain, though. Arteta is taking one of the biggest risks in his Arsenal managerial career by publicly admitting that the Xhaka will stay with the club.

Whilst the midfielder has had excellent matches for the Gunners and on his day he can dictate the play perfectly, these moments for Arsenal are few and far between.

It’s still easy to forget that Xhaka’s errors last season were a key cause for the north London side missing out on Europe altogether.

Had the Swiss midfielder not been sent off or played an awful in two games against Burnley, Arsenal could have finished the season with four extra points.

Moreover, Arteta keeping Xhaka means that the squad overhaul that was causing excitement amongst fans was nothing but a ruse.

The Gunners will likely go into their Premier League opener with not only Xhaka starting, but with the likes of Willian and Hector Bellerin, two players who were expected to leave, involved in the matchday squad.

Selling Xhaka would have been a huge sign of intent from Arteta and a step in a new direction for the young Basque manager.

Instead, the Arsenal coach is taking the biggest risk of his career so far. And for his future at the club, he needs to ensure it works out.