Arsenal are now set to trigger their option to extend Granit Xhaka’s contract by 12 months on Mikel Arteta’s request. The Gunners boss wants to reward the midfielder for his efforts.
That is according to The Sun, which reports that Arsenal are confident Xhaka will soon sign off on the extension. The Emirates Stadium natives believe the 30-year-old is settled at the club. So, they do not sense the Swiss will reject the chance to extend his stay to June 2025.
Xhaka’s current deal is due to expire in June 2024 but includes the option for a further one year. But both parties must give their go-ahead to Arsenal taking up the option and locking the midfielder down. Arteta is behind the club’s desires after his performances this season.
Arsenal are set to trigger a one-year option to extend Granit Xhaka’s contract
Arteta benched Xhaka for the only time in the Premier League this season as they beat AFC Bournemouth this month. The 111-cap Switzerland captain has otherwise started in 26 of their 27 games en route to the top of the table. He also has three goals and five assists yet.
What Xhaka has offered Arsenal through those performances has impressed no one more than Arteta. The Spaniard has even handed the midfielder the club’s captaincy on occasion when Martin Odegaard has not started. He led them in three of his six Europa League ties.
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Granit Xhaka sees his future in north London despite Mikel Arteta’s wider plans
So, Arsenal are now happy to appease Arteta’s desire for Xhaka to sign a new contract. The Gunners are also ready to go ahead and trigger the 12-month option in his existing £120k-a-week deal alongside making an £80m move to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United.
Xhaka agreeing to sign a new contract in north London will not restrict Arsenal’s desires to reinforce their engine room. While the midfielder, whom Gary Neville claims is capable of ‘absolutely wonderful’ moments, would reject interest from all around Europe to stay put.
According to Graeme Bailey, clubs in Italy, Germany and Spain have explored transfers for Xhaka with his contract at Arsenal currently due to expire next year. But he sees his future in north London and has not demanded the Gunners present a vast pay rise for new terms.
In other news, Son Heung-min sends supportive message to ex-Tottenham teammate Kyle Walker-Peters on Instagram
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