Granit Xhaka and Arsenal – A healthy but necessary break up

The ability to self-implode made it virtually impossible to believe that Xhaka would ever be the answer for Arsenal.

Similarly to the club that he represents, it’s very difficult to truly trust him to reach the top of his game.

And yet, despite admiration for each other from both player and manager, Granit Xhaka’s time at Arsenal simply must come to an end.

Xhaka’s potential move to Roma now looks certain to happen – and it will be perfect for him. The pace of Serie A will be more suited to his lack of athleticism and skills for ball retention.

The sound defensive structure of a Jose Mourinho-led side will mean there will be less reliance on Xhaka to advance and make things happen in the final third.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will look to continue a clear-out of players, with Lucas Torreria and Matteo Guendouzi likely to follow Xhaka out of the door.

To say that all of Arsenal’s problems stem from a single player would be unfair.

There is a whole catalogue of things that have gone wrong in the red side of North London over the previous five years. However, whether he likes it or not, Xhaka is a symbol of some of Arsenal’s darker days.