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Arteta announces final verdict on Arsenal outcast Xhaka’s future

Granit Xhaka, Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
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A transfer away from the Emirates has been discussed for the Switzerland international, with Roma touted as his next destination.

Mikel Arteta has dismissed talks of a possible Arsenal exit for Granit Xhaka this summer saying the player is “a key member” of the team.

Xhaka’s future had been up in the air all summer after reports surfaced suggesting he had been deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal.

The 28-year-old looked set to link up with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, who reportedly even reached an agreement over personal terms with him.

However, updates from several sources suggest the move has now fallen through with the Serie A side seemingly unwilling to meet the Gunners’ valuation of the Swiss midfielder, who had an excellent Euro 2020 campaign.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea, Arsenal manager Arteta essentially confirmed those rumors as he issued a definitive verdict on the future of the goalscorer in Sunday’s pre-season friendly at the Emirates.

“Granit is going to stay with us,” proclaimed the Spaniard in his post-match press conference.

“He’s a player that we rate and value so much, he’s a key member of our squad.

“He’s trained two days. He wanted to play today and I think it’s very clear commitment from his side that he wants to be here.”

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