According to journalist Charles Watts, Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could now stay at the club next season amid rumours of a transfer to Roma, with the Italian club thought to be looking at other options.
The north Londoners are looking to continue their rebuild under Mikel Arteta which saw them battle for a Champions League spot last season, ultimately finishing fifth and securing Europa League football for next season.
They have been linked with numerous targets like Gabriel Jesus, Ruben Neves and Richarlison while shifting some unwanted faces including Matteo Guendouzi and Alexandre Lacazette.
However, it now appears that Xhaka, who had been linked with a move away this summer, could now stay in N5 as linked club Roma are now targeting Nemanja Matic from Manchester United instead of the Swiss international.
Watts revealed this in his latest video on YouTube, stating: “Xhaka obviously is still at the club. I did think that there was quite a decent chance that Xhaka could end up leaving this summer and end up heading back to Rome, but it looks like maybe that’s not going to happen given they’re signing Nemanja Matic now.
“You kind of look at that and think, is there room for Xhaka? Perhaps not, so we’ll wait and see what happens with Granit.”
TIF Thoughts on Xhaka staying…
The £18m-rated 29-year-old hasn’t had the smoothest ride during his time at the Premier League club, as he has been a fantastic servant, but has also had his run-ins with the fanbase, most notably when he swore at fans after he was subbed off and threw his shirt on the ground.
However, Arsenal could do worse than keeping the midfielder around as they are short in the position, with only Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga the first-team choices.
They also have a lot of youngsters playing significant minutes, as they have the youngest average squad age in the entire league at 24.8, with Bukayo Saka (20), Emile Smith Rowe (21), Gabriel Martinelli (20), Lokonga (22) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (23) all featuring regularly last season.
Considering their drop-off at the end of the season which saw them blow their Champions League hopes, keeping some much-needed experience in the side will surely only benefit the Gunners.
Should Arsenal keep Xhaka?Yes
No
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