Granit Xhaka Signs Contract Extension At Emirates

by
Francis Mwema
August 16, 2021

After rumors of departure surrounded his future at Emirates this summer, Granit Xhaka has reportedly signed a new deal with Arsenal Football Club that will see him extend his stay until 2025.

The Switzerland Midfielder 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.

Photo/Courtesy

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.

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.

Photo/Courtesy

Fabrizio Romano a trusted journalist on transfer news posted on his twitter account; “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.

Five years ago after Xhaka arrived at the Club at the time when Mikel Arteta was leaving he was taunted as the Arsenal’s future midfield, the same year that also Mathiu Flamini was also leaving. Xhaka was seen as a very astute signing, even if it came at the expense of then Premier League winner N’Golo Kante.

At times there have been games where you watch Xhaka and you can see everything that made Arsene Wenger fall in love and feel like this can be a guy who dominates Premier League midfields. However, as everyone knows, it has just not worked out at all. The ill-discipline that was a concern in Germany never went away, and at times it looked like he couldn’t keep up with the pace of the top flight of English football.

However it feels important to stress that this is not all Xhaka’s fault. Since he arrived at the Emirates here are the players that Arsenal have signed to strengthen the defense or central midfield areas.

Francis Mwema

I am a Multimedia Journalist with five years of experience from Digital to Broadcast Media{Radio and Television}. Interested in reporting Current affairs happenings within and across the borders. I have excellent attitude towards working with others and communication skills extremely patient and persistent with the ability to formulate unique ideas and hand eye co-ordination. Ability to work under minimal supervision, curious, hardworking and polite. In another life I am a News Anchor and Reporter.

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