Arsenal boss Arteta says "Xhaka is staying" amid AS Roma's offer
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has announced that Granit Xhaka will remain with the club this season, yet there is an injury concern when Thomas Partey limps out in a preseason-friendly match.
AS Roma
made bids for Xhaka this summer, and while a deal appeared to be on the cards, Arsenal's asking price was never reached by the
Serie Aclub.
Arteta stated on Friday that Xhaka was still a "key part" of his plans, but he has now confirmed that the 28-year-old Swiss midfielder will continue at the Emirates this season.
"
Xhaka is staying
," Arteta stated after Xhaka bagged a goal against Chelsea in a preseason friendly on Sunday.
"He wanted to play. He is a key player for us."
After center midfielder
Partey
was sidelined during Sunday's 2-1 friendly setback, Xhaka's service may be even more important for the Spaniard boss.
Partey, who moved to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October, looked to suffer an ankle sprain after being tackled by Chelsea striker Hakim Ziyech and was replaced five minutes before halftime.
"I just had a talk with the doctor," Arteta said.
"He'll have a scan tomorrow. At the moment it's not looking good."
Arsenal kick off their
Premier Leagueadventure against freshly promoted Brentford on Friday, August 13, with Arteta hoping to build on their eighth-place finish last season.
While Arsenal's intention to allow Xhaka to go may seem to be a U-turn, it is believed Arteta never wanted to let the midfielder go after first convincing him to stay in January 2020.
Last season, Xhaka started 29 Premier League fixtures for the Gunners, with only Bukayo Saka starting more (30).
DISCLAIMER! Sportmob does not claim ownership of any of the pictures posted on this website. Again, we do not host pictures or videos ourselves. Our authors merely link to the rightful owner. Lastly, Sportmob have carefully considered and reviewed all of its content. Despite that, it is possible that some information might be out-dated or incomplete.