It came out of nowhere when news filtered out that Arsenal could make a dramatic u-turn and offer Swiss international, Granit Xhaka a contract extension despite the apparent links to Roma this summer.
Xhaka has always been one player touted to leave the club this summer as the north Londoners planned a complete overhaul. During the Euros, Xhaka’s stock rose in value with Roma knocking on the door to sign him.
It made sense for the fans to want to see the back of a player who had a love-hate relationship with the club. But with the recent news of Arsenal making a u-turn by offering Granit Xhaka a new deal, there are key things and likely events that could happen if the midfielder puts pen on paper and extends his contract.
DEEP SQUAD TO COMPETE
Without mincing words, it’s crystal clear that Xhaka is a quality player and arguably one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the Premier League. Perhaps, he is very much underappreciated at Arsenal that makes many not see the absolute importance of the Swiss international in the team’s midfield.
Yes, Granit Xhaka can be needlessly explosive and cost the team during games, but recent displays of the Swiss have shown a player who has grown in maturity and decision-making on the pitch.
A contract extension for the midfielder is an extra boost to Arsenal and help create that much-needed balance of experience and youth in the squad. The club is currently brimming with quality in midfield and adding Xhaka to that group gives Mikel Arteta a plethora of options to compete in the Premier League next season.
CHANGE IN TRANSFER PLANS
Sambi Lonkonga was signed by Arsenal as a potential cover and buffer for losing Granit Xhaka. Even though Lonkonga is a long-term prospect, Arsenal still had an eye on bringing in a more experienced and ideal midfielder that could partner seamlessly with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park.
Of course, we need not mention the large number of potential midfielders who were targeted as the north London club prepared for the inevitable exit of the experienced midfield general.
But with the recent twist of events that could see Granit Xhaka sign a new deal, it would definitely change Arsenal’s transfer plans this summer. The extension will not only help the club save money but also help them focus on more important positions to strengthen the team.
We are talking about a sudden transfer U-turn by the club if Granit Xhaka, a hugely important figure of Mikel Arteta’s squad, renews his contract and stays at Arsenal. Understandably, fans might not be happy with the news, but if it eventually happens we should expect one of the aforementioned events to take shape.
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