Arsenal make Granit Xhaka contract decision for three reasons after Roma transfer fails

Posted Wednesday, August 04, 2021 by Express.co.uk

Granit Xhaka will reportedly sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium after the collapse of his proposed move to Roma.

Arsenal are poised to make a significant u-turn over the future of Granit Xhaka, who will imminently sign a new and improved contract with the Gunners, according to reports. The 28-year-old looked set to join Roma on a permanent deal until very recently, but the Italian outfit were unable to agree terms at club level.

Xhaka was understood to be keen on leaving Arsenal following last season's disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.

He was targeted by Roma boss Jose Mourinho, with the 58-year-old looking to strengthen his ranks ahead of the new Serie A campaign.

The prospect of joining I Giallorossi was said to have piqued Xhaka's interest, but the club failed to match Arsenal's valuation of the midfielder and are now believed to be pursuing Thomas Delaney of Borussia Dortmund.

Xhaka has reportedly impressed Mikel Arteta in training since the failure of his proposed move to Roma, and it seems as though he will remain a key part of the Spaniard's plans for the foreseeable future.

He is expected to sign a contract extension until at least the summer of 2024 before the new season gets underway later this month, according to The Athletic.

Arsenal make Granit Xhaka contract decision for three reasons after Roma transfer fails
Xhaka looks set to stay with Arsenal this summer (Image: GETTY)

The report claims that Arsenal's decision to retain Xhaka has been influenced by three important factors, the first of which is the significant role that he plays in the team.

He ended the previous campaign as the club's most-used player, making 45 appearances in all competitions and popping up with a goal and two assists.

Xhaka's ability to move the ball forward and ease the transition between defence and attack was crucial for Arsenal last season, with his efforts helping to convince Arteta that a new deal is the best solution for all parties.

The midfielder is also viewed as one of the leaders in the current squad, with his experience likely to play a role in aiding Albert Sambi Lokonga's development after his £15million move from Anderlecht earlier this summer.

Arsenal make Granit Xhaka contract decision for three reasons after Roma transfer fails
The 28-year-old has been the subject of interest from Roma (Image: GETTY)

Although Xhaka seems likely to feature on a regular basis this season, his contract extension could also work in Arsenal's favour if they eventually decide to cash in.

Another year on top of his existing deal, which runs until 2023, will allow the Gunners to protect his value rather than settling for a cut-price sale.

Xhaka enjoyed an impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland over the summer, earning plenty of praise for his efforts in the middle of the park.

Arteta will now be hoping that his positive momentum will carry over into the new season as Arsenal seek a return to the Premier League's upper reaches.

Club legend Ian Wright waxed lyrical over Xhaka after his stunning display against France to help knock the world champions out of the competition in their first knockout stage match.

"That is the best I’ve ever seen him play," Wright told ITV Sport after the final whistle.

"I feel for him because he’s someone I’ve been very critical of in the past, and when you see a performance like that, do you blame him or the coaches for not getting those performances out of him in the past?

"I have never seen him used to that effect. There’s no way Arsenal should be selling a player that can play like that, at that level."