Sources: Arsenal to open late-December Granit Xhaka talks in surprise twist
Arsenal are planning to open new contract talks with Granit Xhaka, sources have told Football Insider.
The 30-year-old has reinvented himself in a more attacking central midfield role this season and he has been instrumental in Arsenal climbing to the Premier League summit.
Xhaka has just over 18 months left on his current deal, which expires in the summer of 2024.
Arsenal are ready to discuss a new contract with the midfielder after his involvement at the World Cup with Switzerland.
The Premier League leaders are already looking to tie down a number of their key players, including Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli to new long-term deals.
It would rank as a major turnaround, as well as surprise, for Xhaka to land a new contract given his age, history and previous relationship with the Arsenal fans.
The former skipper swore and cupped his ear towards his own fans while throwing his captain’s armband and shirt to the ground during a game with Crystal Palace in October 2019.
Unai Emery stripped him of the club captaincy as a result but he was sacked not long after and replaced by Arteta.
Xhaka missed three games and it has been on a long road to redemption at the Emirates ever since.
His new role in Arteta’s table-topping Gunners has seen him score twice and provide two assists in nine Premier League games this term.
Arsenal are next in action on Thursday night (13 October) when they travel to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
On Sunday (16 October) they can keep their place at the top of the Premier League as they host Leeds United.
In other news, a finance guru has issued a “£200m” Arsenal reveal amid a “significant” signings claim.