Arsenal legend urges club to cancel Xhaka sale to Roma

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 2 Jul 2021 11:52 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes there’s “no way” the club should be selling Granit Xhaka after his performances at Euro 2020.

Xhaka was awarded the man of the match after Switzerland overcame France on penalties in the Last 16 of the European competition and has looked at his very best for his nation throughout the tournament.

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, this happens to coincide with the player’s rumoured move to Roma for €20 million.

With many reports in England and Italy suggesting the deal is all but confirmed, it seems as though Arsenal have already sold their midfield maestro.

But Wright believes the player’s performances at this summer’s tournament shows that Xhaka is a top player when used properly.

’That’s the best I’ve ever seen Xhaka play'

Wright said on ITV’s Football Show podcast: “That is the best I’ve ever seen him [Xhaka] play.

“I feel for him because he’s someone I’ve been very critical of in the past and when you see a performance like, do you blame him or the coaches for not getting those performances out of him in the past?

“I have never seen him used to that effect. There’s no way Arsenal should be selling a player that can play like that, at that level.

“So unfortunately for us it looks like he is going but I’m delighted for him because he’s answered a lot of critics. He was magnificent.”

On the Ringer FC podcast, Wright added: “Can I say something about Granit Xhaka? I was delighted to see how well he played, that’s the best I’ve ever seen him play.

“He was everywhere, he done everything and it looks like he’s probably going to Roma. He’s not been my favourite player but what we saw in that game was a complete midfielder who was used properly.

“Seeing him play that well and knowing what we need at Arsenal, it’s a shame we never got performances like that for whatever reason. It’s a shame.”