Arsenal have been given a boost in their attempts to keep Granit Xhaka at the end of the season. A move to AS Roma in the summer seemed inevitable but Manchester United could prevent this from happening.
According to Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Jose Mourinho wants to sign Nemanja Matic at the end of the season. The Serbian midfielder recently announced that he will be leaving the Manchester side at the end of the current campaign, as his contract runs out.
Xhaka has proved how much of a pivot asset he is to Arsenal in recent weeks with excellent performances, which topped off in his most recent display against Manchester United, where his excellent second-half strike secured all three points for the Gunners.
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the 29-year-old's long-term Arsenal future remains uncertain and football.london understands that Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign the Swiss international at the end of the season. The Serie A side was close to signing Xhaka last summer but a deal broke down due to the two clubs being unable to agree on a fee.
He's had a rollercoaster five years at the Emirates Stadium which include incredible highs including winning the FA Cup at Wembley and being named club captain, but devastating lows such as being booed off by his own fans while wearing that armband. The Xhaka saga looked to have come to a conclusion this summer with a move to Mourinho's Roma looking very likely, but this season he has really proved to be a crucial player for the Gunners after staying on at the club.
Arteta’s side is seriously weak when the Swiss international is not available for selection. And this is not only due to the shortages in the midfield, but also due to a lack of quality in the middle of the park.
Without him, Thomas Partey is the only experienced midfielder in the team. Mohamed Elneny has always been considered a fringe player, and Albert Sambi Lokonga still needs time to mature.
Arsenal will need to strengthen In many departments during the summer transfer window, meaning Edu could be financially strained. Keeping Xhaka at the club would prevent the Gunners from needing to add multiple midfield signings to the summer shopping list.
But not only does keeping the 29-year-old at the club help ease the stress in the summer transfer window, but it also means that Arsenal keeps their most experienced player at the club. Despite the backlash he has received from fans in the past, Xhaka brings a sense of leadership and authority to the midfield, which is evident when is missing from the team, as the Gunners seem to struggle from his absence.
Mourinho opting to sign Matic instead of Xhaka will definitely prove as a blessing in disguise for the Gunners. Xhaka’s importance to the Arsenal has been clear in recent months after his impressive performances, and this should continue into the next season.
