Goal journalist Charles Watts has said on his YouTube channel that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta loves Granit Xhaka.
However, the well-known and well-respected journalist has added that Arsenal could still sell Xhaka in the summer transfer window amid interest from AS Roma.
Roma have been strongly linked with Xhaka, and the Arsenal midfielder himself wants to leave.
Calciomercato claimed this week that Roma, now managed by former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho, have made an offer of €15 million (£12.89 million) plus bonuses for Xhaka, but Arsenal want at least €25 million (£21.48 million) up front.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that the Switzerland international has verbally agreed a move to Roma, as covered by HITC Sport.
Watts said about Xhaka on his YouTube channel: “He is a massively important part of the side. He is pretty much an ever-present name on the teamsheet, if he is fit and available. That’s how important he is to Mikel Arteta.
“Mikel Arteta loves him as well, but having said all that, Granit Xhaka have been here an awful long time, Arsenal have never really challenged for the title with him in the side.”
Arsenal should sell Granit Xhaka
Xhaka has been on the books of Arsenal since 2016 when he joined from Borussia Monchengladbach for £30 million, as reported by Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old has not always had the best relationship with fans.
However, the midfielder has been a consistent figure in the team, under Arteta.
Xhaka made 29 starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal this season.
The Swiss also made 10 appearances in the Europa League.
Now, if Xhaka wants to leave Arsenal, then the Gunners should not stand in his way.
However, the North London club have to make sure that they get a good price for Xhaka and then need to invest that money into buying an upgrade.
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