Arsenal are considering handing Granit Xhaka a new contract, according to multiple reports in the English media.
The Swiss international has seemed destined to leave the Emirates all summer, but the Gunners have failed to reach an agreement with Roma over a transfer fee.
With Xhaka now likely to be given a new deal instead, supporters on Twitter are very much split over whether it is the right decision:
Let him stay, we need those long passes.
— ozde (@otosnegro) July 30, 2021
No if he signs I’m not supporting this decision
— Edzzz (@Edzzz29) July 30, 2021
Xhaka is a great player I’d keep him
— Jack Caress (@Jack_Caress) July 30, 2021
No No No
— Soto Arsenal (@SotoArsenal6) July 30, 2021
pic.twitter.com/hELPLDURwZ
— Ryan Barnes (@CNFC82) July 30, 2021
Would love him to stay.
— Fathead (@Fathead49892222) July 30, 2021
No!!! It’s time to move on
— NYYFan1024 (@NyyFan1024) July 30, 2021
I want us to sign someone better but the links I’m hearing. Sanchez, Locatelli, etc if I’m honest don’t excited me Xhaka can do the same job. Unless we sign a baller I say keep him
— Shakeel Walker (@big_shaka99) July 30, 2021
Another poor transfer window pending – this club’s appalling in the market on both sides, selling and buying!
— John (@saps_JP) July 30, 2021
Like a new signing ????
— Rodney Zishiri (@RodneyZishiri) July 30, 2021
let him stay
— MWINE DAVID (@MWINEDAVID1) July 30, 2021
There are a number of factors in play here. While Xhaka certainly has his plus and minus points as a footballer, it would have taken a significant outlay to replace him in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
Players such as Ruben Neves and Manuel Locatelli don’t come cheap and there is no guarantee either of them would be interested in a move to the Emirates.
Handing out a new contract is still a surprise, though. Xhaka has been keen to leave the London club for a while so we shall see if he is happy to put pen to paper on a new deal.
