Transfers
Granit Xhaka will ‘ask to leave Arsenal’ in January transfer window
The Arsenal midfielder could be on his way out of the club after he was stripped of the captaincy by head coach Unai Emery
Granit Xhaka is reportedly going to push for a move away from Arsenal in the January transfer window after he was stripped of the captaincy.
Unai Emery removed the Swiss international as club captain following a heated confrontation with a section of the home fans in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on October 27.
Ironic cheers greeted Xhaka’s substitution in the 61st minute of the game against Palace, which grew into boos when he walked off the pitch slowly, rather than running.
Xhaka then waved his arms aloft and cupped his ear to the crowd before twice telling supporters to “f*** off”, ripping his shirt off and storming down the tunnel.
READ MORE: Granit Xhaka speaks after clash with Arsenal fans – now it’s time to move on
The 27-year-old issued a statement on the incident four days later explaining he “reached boiling point” after abuse from fans online and in the stadium but said “let’s move forward together positively”.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut he hasn’t played a game for Arsenal since and it’s not known whether he will be reintegrated into the squad anytime soon with Emery confirming Xhaka will not travel to Leicester on Saturday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been named as the new skipper and with a potentially irreparable relationship between Xhaka and the fans, an exit may well be likely.
Midfielder Xhaka is said to be concerned that losing his place in the starting line-up could jeopardise his chances of playing in Euro 2020 if Switzerland qualify, according to The Times.
The Gunners may be willing to offer Xhaka to Bundesliga clubs and will be looking to recuperate the £30million fee they bought him for.
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle United are reportedly among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Xhaka.
Although, when asked about a possible deal, according to The Mirror, Magpies boss Steve Bruce said: “Granit Xhaka?
“Look, I was only in the job two weeks and I was linked with 42 players.
“So I am not going to comment on anybody else’s players.
“He is a very good player.”
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