Tony Cascarino has claimed that Granit Xhaka will be the ‘next one’ out of the exit door for Arsenal after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as he told talkSPORT.
The former striker thinks Xhaka will be gone by the summer and Mikel Arteta will bring in ‘another player’ for Arsenal.
On New Year’s Day, Xhaka was back to his old tricks when he conceded a costly penalty during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
The 29-year-old is a marmite-like figure when it comes to the Arsenal fans and his infamous spell as captain hasn’t helped change the negative perception about him.
There were well-documented rumours in the summer that he could be headed for the Emirates exit door, but he ended up staying put and signing a new contract instead.
But with Aubameyang seemingly out of the picture in north London, Cascarino explained why he feels Xhaka is next in line.
“I think Xhaka will be the next one out of the team,” said Cascarino. “Even though that’s the area of the pitch he (Arteta) will probably change.
“Although, he has done really, really well. I think there will be an upgrade in that midfield in the summer. I think there will be another player in that area.
“Xhaka came from nowhere. He was done and dusted. A bit like I spoke about Aubameyang.
“And he’s come back and he has done really well and been solid. I do think that position is up for grabs at Arsenal, if you are going to kick on again. I think Xhaka will be the one.”
Both Aubameyang and Xhaka have one thing in common and that’s the fact that they were both stripped of the captain’s armband.
Whilst Xhaka managed to pick himself up from the canvas and go again, it might not be the case for Aubameyang.
The Gabon star is currently preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations and he will be hoping to do his talking on the pitch during these coming weeks.
It seems as though that’s the only minutes he will get for the rest of this season, unless he moves during the January transfer window or something drastic happens regarding his relationship with Arteta.
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