Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told The London Evening Standard that he did not want to sell Granit Xhaka in the summer transfer window.
Arteta has also said that the Arsenal players respect the Switzerland international for what he has done on the pitch and for how he is in the dressing room.
The Spaniard told The London Evening Standard about Xhaka: “We never wanted to let him go. We explained to him the role he would have in the team, how important he was and how far he has come in the last two seasons.
“And the fact that he has come through some difficult moments and how he has reacted and achieved and the respect he has gained, not only on the field, but around the club and in that dressing room.
“We believe that he was a really important figure and we need players like that for the development of the young players we have. It’s difficult because you don’t get to see much of what happens inside.
“People just analyse a performance or a way of a player playing and whether you like him more or less. But from our side there is no doubting his importance in the team and squad.”
AS Roma rumour
The London Evening Standard have claimed that AS Roma wanted to sign Xhaka from Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners were willing to sell the 28-year-old midfielder for £20 million.
Roma, now managed by former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, could not meet the Gunners’ demands.
So, Xhaka is staying at Arsenal now.
The report has added that the Gunners have extended 28-year-old’s contract by a year until 2024, and there is another option to extend it until 2025.
Important player for Arsenal
Xhaka is a very important player for Arsenal and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The Switzerland made 29 starts in the Premier League and played 10 Europa League matches for the Gunners last season.
For Arsenal to have a successful season, Xhaka will have to show his quality and his leadership skills throughout.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
