Mikel Arteta provides fresh update on Granit Xhaka’s future at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Granit Xhaka will be staying put with the club and he has received assurances over the same from the Swiss midfielder.

The 27-year-old had been recently linked with a move to Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga and there were doubts whether he would make the matchday squad against Manchester United on New Year’s Day.

However, the Swiss not only made the team for the Premier League clash but he also put up a dominant display in the centre of the park and ended the game with three tackles, two interceptions and successfully delivered six of his seven long balls, as per whoscored.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said that he is confident that Xhaka won’t be parting ways with the north London side and lauded the midfielder’s flawless performance in the 2-0 triumph over the Red Devils.

“Yes, he did [give me that reassurance]. I think he is going to stay. He was very good [against United], and I really like him. With the way we want to play, if we get him on board I think he can be a tremendous player for the football club. I like everything about him,” he told.

Arsenal started the New Year with one of their best performances in recent seasons and they could have quiet easily scored more than two goals with the additional chances for the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira.

In the second half, the fitness of the players was definitely tested with the high pressing but the Gunners backline came up with a more resolute display than against Chelsea which sealed their first Premier League win in more than 12 weeks at the Emirates Stadium.