As per a report from The Athletic, Arsenal are set to offer midfielder Granit Xhaka a contract extension this summer.
The Swiss arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and has become one of the club’s most trusted players. After five seasons, it looked like his stay in north London was coming to an end with interest from Roma.
According to the report, the Gunners are offering their midfielder a new deal after the Italian giants failed to submit a suitable offer. While the English club were interested in selling the 28-year-old, a fee could not be agreed upon.
Despite Xhaka wanting to leave and join Roma’s new boss Jose Mourinho, it appears that he will have to stay at the Emirates longer. This news was not met positively by the Arsenal fans, many of whom expressed shock at what the club are planning to do. Here are some of the best reactions:
Hell NO !
— Certified Gunner (@Castrofied) July 30, 2021
Very unexpected. Is this still part of the negotiating strategy to break the impasse? Either way, I’m not against keeping Xhaka – but I’d much rather his place in the starting 11 was not so essential. We still need an upgrade on him even if he stays.
— AFC Ulsterman (@afculsterman) July 30, 2021
I got pissed off at first when I heard it, but I believe it’s a just a smokescreen to get Roma to pay up..
— Christian.C (@HCeleski) July 30, 2021
That’s not possible, someone that has already agreed personal terms with another club and he said “the club knows what I want to do”. I think the fans won’t go easy on him this season
— Sugamite™✪ (@Sugamite2) July 30, 2021
That would be the end of Edu and @m8arteta . Xhaka is our stumbling block in your midfield getting rid of him and letting Sambi blossom was the way to go, keeping him will be the down fall of Mikel and Edu. He is not a forward playing Midfielder and not a good partner for Party
— K. San (@ayala10ng) July 30, 2021
Just sell the player alrdy we need to cash out fr 🥲
— tommyasron (@tommyasron) July 30, 2021
Arsenal Fever View
The Gunners are in a delicate situation with regards to the midfielder who has been wanting a move all summer. The Swiss star still has two years left on his current contract and if a transfer deal cannot be agreed this summer, his value will take a hit.
However, if they cannot get the fee they want, it does not make sense for them to make the sale. It would be better for the club if they protected the value of the player and that is what they are planning with this extension.
There are other central midfielders being linked with a move to the north Londoners and depends on Xhaka exit. If the 28-year-old does indeed ends up staying, he would be the first choice pairing along with Thomas Partey. And though the Gunners would benefit from a different type of player in this position, they would be happy to have one of the team’s leaders.
Arsenal still have some time left in the transfer window and the Xhaka situation may change by the end of it. If they feel that Roma are not going to pay what they are looking for, it makes sense for them to keep hold of the midfielder. Despite his flaws, the Swiss remains an important part of the squad.
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