Arteta has ‘gone against the fans’ after Granit Xhaka news from Arsenal – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has hailed Mikel Arteta for “going against” the Arsenal fans to restore Granit Xhaka as a dressing room leader.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the ex-captain must remain at the club for the next “three years” even if Arteta goes into the transfer market for “younger, fresher talents”.
Sources told this site on Sunday (26 February) that Arsenal are in talks with long-serving midfielder Xhaka over a new two-year contract extension.
The Switzerland international’s contract is currently set to expire in June 2024 but Arteta is keen to keep the dressing room leader at the Emirates Stadium.
Xhaka has been everpresent for league leaders Arsenal this season, appearing in each of their Premier League matches.
Former manager Unai Emery stripped Xhaka of the captain’s armband in 2019 after he clashed with Gunners supporters.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He had a really bad spell where you didn’t think he would play for the club again.
“Fast-forward a few years, and he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
“Arteta’s seen enough of him to go against the fans and bring him back as one of the leaders of this team.
“It’s great to see him getting rewarded with a new contract. He plays every minute of most games, and he’s obsessed with winning.
“You can look elsewhere for fresher, younger talents – but someone like Xhaka has got to stay with this group for the next few years.”
In other news, pundit backs Arsenal star to quit this summer after “hearing whispers”.