Surprising turn of events for Granit Xhaka and his Arsenal career

Granit Xhaka has reportedly signed a new deal with Arsenal Football Club that will see him extend his stay until 2025.

Granit Xhaka, who was unexpectedly handed the captain’s armband when Arsenal initiated the start of the Premier League return against newly-promoted Brentford, will now stay at the Emirates following a long period of uncertainty over his Arsenal career.

A few weeks back and a couple of weeks after the transfer window opened, the Gunners and Roma were a fee away from agreeing to a transfer for the Swiss international.

Fortunately/unfortunately, talks broke down between the Serie A club and the Premier League club, and a move away from London was called off altogether.

All English Premier League

He now will stay at the club until he is 32 years old and will undoubtedly remain a key figure for Mikel Arteta and his side. He will also receive a salary increase from his £100k-per-week wage.

"Granit Xhaka deal, completed and confirmed. Contract signed until June 2025 with increased salary after AS Roma talks collapsed weeks ago.#AFC Arsenal are also working to sign Ødegaard on permanent deal – waiting for ‘green light’ from Real Madrid to submit the official bid. (Via: Fabrizio Romano)"

Following another stellar showing for his country during the Euros competition, the Gunners were caught in two minds about his departure; it went from wanting to sell indefinitely to saying they do not mind if a deal falls through and Xhaka stays in North London.

One could argue their stance changed for a third time and they were reluctant to lose him to any club in Europe and wanted him to stay and actually lead this team on the pitch for Mikel Arteta.

More business to be completed soon by Arsenal?

I doubt it highly that the news of Granit Xhaka signing a new long-term contract is the most important news here but, in fact, more significant news is that Arsenal will now start working on their proposal for Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid – as this deal appears to show some promise once again.

The playmaker and Gunner summer target was left out of Madrid’s opening day squad – they went on to win that game 4-1 without his involvement. This plus the sale of Joe Willock to Newcastle United has given the English side the green light to go in for him.

Whatever summer business the North Londoners have left to do, they need to do it urgently and save themselves from more criticism and disaster in these opening weeks of Premier League football.

The most important goal for Arteta and Arsenal now: is to bounce back strong from their opening day defeat to the newcomers, Brentford.

Arsenal done deals

Joined the club [4 players]

Nuno Tavares [Benfica] Details
Albert Sambi Lokonga [Anderlecht]
Mika Biereth [Fulham]
Ben White [Brighton]

Left the club [22 players]

David Luiz [released]
Levi Laing [released]
Joseph Olowu [released]
Luke Plange [released]
Jason Sraha [released]
Trae Coyle [Lausanne–Sport]
Zech Medley [KV Oostende]
Mark McGuinness [Cardiff]
Dinos Mavropanos [Stuttgart] Loan
Daniel Ballard [Millwall] Loan
Daniel Oyegoke [Brentford]
Ben Sheaf [Coventry]
Matt Smith [Doncaster] Loan
Matteo Guendouzi [Marseille] Loan
William Saliba [Marseille] Loan
Nikolaj Moller [Viktoria Koln] Loan
Deyan Iliev [SKF Sered] Loan
Tyreece John-Jules [Blackpool] Loan
Harry Clarke [Ross County] Loan
Tolaji Bola [Rotherham]
Jordi Osei-Tutu [Nottingham Forest] Loan
Joe Willock [Newcastle United]