From Roma move to new Arsenal contract - Why have the Gunners changed their mind on Granit Xhaka?

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 3 Aug 2021 17:24 BST
• 5 min read

Few players have had as busy a summer transfer window as Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Prior and even during Euro 2020, the Switzerland international was considered as good as gone by most Arsenal fans, as the midfielder joked about taking Italian lessons and reports in Italy and England suggesting a deal with Roma was signed and sealed.

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However, things have changed remarkably quickly and not only does it seem as though Xhaka is staying put in London but according to FootballLondon the midfielder may now be set to get a new contract too.

So what has caused this sudden 180 degree turnaround in Xhaka’s standing at the Premier League side?

Xhaka proved his worth at Euro 2020

Perhaps the main thing that has changed over the course of the summer off-season is that Xhaka has drastically improved his standing as a player following his performances at Euro 2020.

As captain of the Swiss team, Xhaka not only helped his side overcome the odds by reaching the quarter-finals of the competition, but they also did so by knocking out world champions France along the way.

The Arsenal midfielder earned a man of the match award for his role in the famous victory and along the way reminded a number of his critics that he can still thrive and go toe-to-toe with some of the best players in the world.

They couldn’t sign the midfielders they wanted

Another reason why Xhaka may now be staying put at Arsenal could be down to the fact that the club haven’t managed to find a potential replacement for him.

Although Arsenal have signed a new central midfielder in Albert Sambi Lokonga, it now seems unlikely that they’ll be able to sign Martin Odegaard or James Maddison this summer.

As such, Mikel Arteta may not be willing to let a player of Xhaka’s talent and experience leave just yet.

Arsenal couldn’t sell him

A more cynical view of Xhaka’s situation at Arsenal this summer would suggest the club simply couldn’t find a viable suitor for the Swiss international.

Roma were apparently close to signing the midfielder, but it seems as though the Serie A giants were unwilling to match the price Arsenal had set for Xhaka.

And, with no other bidders in view, Arsenal may have decided to draw a line under their efforts to sell Xhaka and have instead decided to keep him for the long run.