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Report: £100,000-a-week man Arteta called ‘phenomenal’ now open to leaving Arsenal

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal  and  Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

According to Football London, Granit Xhaka is open to leaving Arsenal this summer if the Gunners can agree a deal with Roma.

What’s the story?

Well, Roma’s interest in the £100,000-a-week man isn’t going away, and they are expected to make another move for the Arsenal midfielder this summer.

José Mourinho tried to sign Xhaka in 2021, although a move failed to materialise despite looking likely to happen at one stage.

Football London believe there has been no fresh contact between Arsenal and Roma, although the £35m man would be happy to join the Italian side if a deal is struck.

Mourinho is said to be a huge fan of Xhaka, and specifically admires his tough mentality which he hopes will rub off on his squad.

So far this season, the 29-year-old – who Mikel Arteta once called “phenomenal” – has made ten Premier League starts.

Arsenal must have Granit Xhaka replacement lined up

LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Leeds United  and  Arsenal at Elland Road on December 18, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Even if Xhaka stays at the Emirates Stadium for the 2022/23 campaign, Arsenal should be looking to replace him as soon as possible.

Time and time again, the Switzerland international costs the Gunners.

So far in 2022, he’s already given away a penalty as Arsenal were dominating Manchester City, a game which they went on to lose 2-1.

Xhaka Arsenal Roma
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Xhaka also received a red card in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, and the Gunners were eventually knocked out.

If Arteta and Edu fail to replace him this summer, Arsenal fans can expect more of the same from a player who simply doesn’t learn from his mistakes.