Xhaka…

I find that hard to believe given that it's well documented how much Arteta did to make him stay when he arrived. Arteta loved him and let's face it Edu doesn't do anything unless Arteta approves it. If it is true then they've made a massive mistake.

comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Any links to this statement?
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https://theathletic.com/5125452/2023/12/19/granit-xhaka-arsenal-interview-arteta/

It's everywhere, here's a quote and a link :
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On leaving the Gunners, Xhaka said: "On one hand I was a bit sad (that Arsenal didn’t want to extend), but on the other hand I was also quite happy because I didn’t like that uncertainty. Leverkusen’s plan for me was clear.
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https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/granit-xhaka-opens-up-arsenal-28316012

He was poor for the vast majority of his Arsenal career then brilliant last season in a system and position that worked.

The club probably should've kept him on but our real mistake was his replacement being a bit of a square peg in a round hole and Arteta's system changes.

Think it's alright that Arsenal said they wouldnt extend his contract even Xhaka turned around his Arsenal career at the end.

Keep the squad younger and move players on at the right time when for both parties agreeing.

"Xhaka felt truly valued at Leverkusen before he had even arrived.

Alonso and the sporting director Simon Rolfes, both former central midfielders, understood a team filled with talented youngsters needed a more seasoned pro to hold it all together on the pitch and lead by example."

It's a shame arteta couldn't see that

comment by goonerGunnDog (U7206)
posted 2 hours, 41 minutes ago
"Xhaka felt truly valued at Leverkusen before he had even arrived.

Alonso and the sporting director Simon Rolfes, both former central midfielders, understood a team filled with talented youngsters needed a more seasoned pro to hold it all together on the pitch and lead by example."

It's a shame arteta couldn't see that
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✔

comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 8 hours, 16 minutes ago
Think it's alright that Arsenal said they wouldnt extend his contract even Xhaka turned around his Arsenal career at the end.

Keep the squad younger and move players on at the right time when for both parties agreeing.
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Really?...REALLY ????

It's not freaking working is it ?
We've become younger - & worse !!!

comment by ItsAboutTheBackFour (U9916)
posted 1 day, 2 hours ago
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 8 hours, 16 minutes ago
Think it's alright that Arsenal said they wouldnt extend his contract even Xhaka turned around his Arsenal career at the end.

Keep the squad younger and move players on at the right time when for both parties agreeing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Really?...REALLY ????

It's not freaking working is it ?
We've become younger - & worse !!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Since when the season is over in December?

Regardless what Xhaka said, I doubt we didn't want to extend.

"A true servant to the club, Xhaka was offered a five-year deal at the BayerArena, something in most cases secures the financial stability of a 31-year-old who would never have been offered that contract length in north London."

This is more likely it. Correctly we shouldn't have matched that deal, 5 years on probably 150k+. Would be moaning we cant get rid of him soon enough.