- 22 Dec 2024
Xhaka dismisses Arsenal exit talks amidst reports of Zakaria interest
Stefan Bienkowski
- Updated: 24 May 2021 16:20 BST
- 5 min read
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from the Premier League side at the end of the season.
The north London club have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria for much of this season.
However, in recent weeks the Swiss international has been included in these reports as a potential counterweight to entice Gladbach into selling their own midfield maestro.
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However, despite a relatively disappointing season for Arsenal, Xhaka is still committed to Mikel Arteta’s side and has no intention of cutting his time in London short before his contract expires in 2023.
“There are always rumours at the end of the season, that’s for sure,” said Xhaka in an interview with Rheinische Post.
“But I still have a two year contract in London and I’m very happy with my family here. First of all, I’m looking at a successful Euro with the national team.”
Xhaka: My time at Gladbach was the best period of my career
Xhaka left the Bundesliga side in 2016 when Arsenal paid a reported £40.5 million for the Swiss international.
Since then the 28-year-old midfielder has made over 200 appearances for the Gunners, winning two FA Cup trophies along the way.
However, despite his success in London, Xhaka still holds a special place in his heart for his formative years in the German top-flight.
“My time at Borussia has been my best time in my career so far, as far as football is concerned, the club, the outstanding fans and many valuable people with whom I still have contact today,” added the midfielder.
“I came to Gladbach at the age of 19 and left the Lower Rhine as an adult. As a young man I certainly made a few mistakes, but all in all it was four years that I will always keep in very positive memories. “
