According to Amy Lawrence of the Athletic, Arsenal are preparing to offer Granit Xhaka a new contract amid interest from AS Roma this summer. The midfielder impressed many at Euro 2020, as his Switzerland side reached the last eight, knocking world champions France out in the process.
His performances on the international stage left question marks as to whether Arsenal should be so quick to offload him. And it seems those questions have worked, with the Gunners preparing a new deal. Whether Xhaka will put pen to paper on the extension is another story, but the offer in itself is a good first step.
Arsenal to Offer Granit Xhaka New Deal
Must Replicate Switzerland Form
Arsenal fans were left bewildered by Xhaka’s performances at Euro 2020; some felt as though it was a completely different player dragging the Swiss past France. They had a point, too. The Arsenal version of Xhaka is mistake prone, occasionally loose with the ball and dangerously wild with some tackles. The Granit Xhaka we see for Switzerland is the complete opposite, however.
For his country, the midfielder is confident and concise on the ball at all times, strong in the challenge and a leader no matter the situation. The fact is, at his best, he ticks every box that Mikel Arteta is looking for. He must transfer his form for his country to the Emirates.
On paper, the partnership between Xhaka and Thomas Partey should blossom; they should bounce off each other well and Arteta should test it in the forthcoming season. After all, a strong midfield partnership can often set the foundation for unparalleled success.
The move to Roma will tempt Xhaka, but perhaps staying at Arsenal whilst his stock is higher that it has been for years is the right thing to do. Whilst fans appreciate him, Xhaka could hit the ground running.
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