The Swiss midfielder could end up staying at Arsenal after being speculated to join AS Roma.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka looked well on his way out of Emirates Stadium after reports emerged that Serie A club AS Roma, led by Jose Mourinho, has agreed to sign him this summer.
The Swiss midfielder became a controversial figure after his fall out with the fans years ago, and ever since that incident took place, he has often met with criticism.
And it has been highly speculated that Xhaka would leave the Gunners in the summer after becoming weary of the situation at Arsenal.
However, there is a twist in the tale now as Xhaka has higher chances of staying put at Emirates Stadium, with the North Londoners reportedly planning to offer him a new contract.
The 28-year-old’s price tag has been set around 30m pounds, which the Giallorossi have struggled to meet due to the financial crisis of Serie A clubs.
Mikel Arteta is said to be happy to have Xhaka as his midfield enforcer for the next season as the Premier League club currently lack depth in the middle of the park.
Sporting director Edu is planning to hand the Swiss international a new three-year deal, and the player also seems happy to continue his journey with the Gunners.
However, the decision has left the fans divided, with many showing opposition whilst a sector of the Gunners faithful on Twitter is happy with Xhaka’s reported new deal citing his form in the European Championships.
People were able to witness the best version of Xhaka in the Euro 2020 as he played a pivotal role behind Swiss’ excellent run in the tournament – reaching the quarter-finals.
Xhaka’s best performance came against defending World Cup champions Champions France in the round-of-16, and the Gunners midfielder was adjudged man of the match at the end.
‘This is absolutely fine. A senior member of the squad. A great personality on the pitch and in the dressing room I’m sure. Xhaka x Partey partnership in front of the fans. Doesn’t put TOO much pressure on Sambi early on. I’m fine with this.’
@AFCMav
‘Fantastic news, he was our best CM last season, and his leadership qualities and experience counts for a lot, especially now Luiz has left.’
@and_got
However, the decision to extend Xhaka’s contract wasn’t appreciated by a section of fans.
‘Arsenal fans calling Xhaka world-class, Ask yourself this – Arsenal want to sell. Xhaka wants to leave. He’s 28 and entering his prime. But yet, the only club in for him is a AS Roma, who finished 7th in the Serie A. And even they aren’t willing to spend more than €15M.’
@OoohToBeAGunne
‘Xhaka was ‘great last season’. Sometimes I wonder if I watch the same team as some of these big accounts on this platform.
‘Such an acceptance of mediocrity and penny-pinching. I want to see my club win titles and UCLs.’
@GoonerCall
We are honestly nearly there. 3 years of clearouts. Huge one in January. Xhaka is the last of the Gazidis era and Willian the first mistake of the new era.
‘Once they are out it’s going to be such a huge milestone for the rebuild.’
@HandofArsenal
