In October 2019, Granit Xhaka was substituted off during a frustrating 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Then-Arsenal manager Unai Emery sent Bukayo Saka on to replace the captain, who was rightly booed off after a terrible performance. His response was telling the home fans at Emirates Stadium to ‘f**k off’. Less than two years later, that same player has been offered another contract to extend his stay with the North London club.There had been strong speculation that the 28-year-old could be set to end his five-year stay in North London to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma side.So Xhaka is signing a new deal until 2025.He told the fans to fuck off. Got stripped off captaincy.Then openly admitted he wanted to leave, openly flirted with Mourinho, Mourinho even sent emojis on Instagram only to bottle the transfer.Thundering disgrace of a football club 😭 pic.twitter.com/bXPVmdxND2— Napster (@VbNapster) August 16, 2021 But after performing a surprise U-turn over his future Xhaka is now set to continue on as an Arsenal player having agreed a new deal that is set to last till 2024, with an option to extend by another year included. His previous contract was due to expire in 2023 and Arsenal were keen to protect his value, while also being mindful that an affordable replacement would be hard to find in this transfer window.Xhaka is currently in his sixth season with the Gunners and, despite delivering the odd fine performance, there is still a lingering doubt that he is the right man to lead the team that’s been struggling badly since the departure of their legendary manager Arsene Wenger. The Swiss midfielder has had an excellent tournament representing his country in the European Championship last month and boss Mikel Arteta will be desperate for the former Borussia Monchengladbach man to reproduce such form at the club level.Sunday, 18.30: (4.50) Arsenal (3.45) Chelsea (1.85)Arteta’s need for reinforcements was laid bare in the limp 2-0 reverse at Brentford Community Stadium, where they lacked punch without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Both players were unwell and it remains to be seen whether they will be fit to face Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.Granit Xhaka has signed a new contract extension with Arsenal until 2025 ✍#Arsenal pic.twitter.com/8TMvmPwEZF— The AFC Page (@theafcpage) August 16, 2021 As for Xhaka, hopefully he’ll keep his mouth shut and start delivering the goods on the pitch.
