BBC Pundit was convinced Arsenal would sell player, thought he might even walk out

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Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week column that he thought Arsenal would sell Granit Xhaka – and that the player might even walk out “of his own volition”. However, Xhaka impressed on Saturday, earning praise.

Xhaka, 30, is now in his seventh season at Arsenal after joining the club back in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach. He has become a leader in the Gunners side. Even if he has been stripped of the captaincy – playing 252 times.

Starting and finishing both Premier League games so far, the 104-time Switzerland international has been instrumental to Arsenal picking up six points. He might be in the final two years of his contract, but he remains incredibly important.

He has been sent off five times in his Arsenal career. A troubled relationship with fans and, losing the armband – Crooks was sure Arsenal would sell. He even claims he thought Xhaka might leave Arsenal himself, and walk out.

But now, Crooks has given credit to both Arsenal and Xhaka for sticking by one another. He scored and set up another goal for Arsenal on Saturday as the Gunners beat Leicester 4-2. Crooks says his performance was “impressive”.

Crooks thought Arsenal would sell Xhaka, or he would walk out

“There can only be a handful of Arsenal players who I have thought should have been sold or relieved of their duties – Xhaka was one. I have seen this player sent off, dragged off and booed off – in some cases all in one game.

“At one stage I was convinced he would walk out of the football club of his own volition. His performance against Leicester was impressive and while his goal was fortunate I cannot fault his determination or his passion.”

It has been quite the turnaround. Now, £100k-a-week Xhaka seems like a kind of father-figure within the playing squad for the multitude of young stars the Gunners possess; Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and more.

He has 561 senior appearances already under his belt for club and country. Xhaka is incredibly experienced – even for a man of 29. So, keeping him retains balance in the side. Even if his quality is not on the level of some of his teammates.