Sources: Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in talks over three-year deal
Arsenal are in talks with midfielder Granit Xhaka over a new two-year contract extension, sources have told Football Insider.
The 30-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, and the Gunners are keen to keep hold of Xhaka and avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Mikel Arteta values Xhaka as a key player at Arsenal and views him as a leader in the club’s dressing room.
It is understood that Xhaka is happy at Arsenal and eager to pledge his long-term future to the North London club following their success in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal turned their attention towards negotiating with Xhaka after already agreeing terms with first-team stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Football Insider sources revealed on Saturday (25 February) that Saka has agreed to a new £57million five-and-a-half-year deal at Arsenal, which ended Man City’s interest in the 21-year-old winger.
Xhaka has been everpresent for Arsenal this season as they climbed their way to the top of the Premier League table, with the Swiss international appearing in every league match this season.
Across all competitions, Xhaka has scored four times and assisted five goals in 32 total appearances.
Xhaka joined the Gunners in 2016 after completing a £30million move from Borussia Monchengladbach and was named the club’s captain in 2019.
Former manager Unai Emery then stripped Xhaka of the armband later that year after an incident where he swore at the crowd.
But Xhaka has seemingly repaired his connection to the club’s fanbase, describing his relationship with supporters as “beautiful” earlier this season.
In other news, Man City now to push Arsenal all the way for Declan Rice deal in new twist