Arsenal star Granit Xhaka says both Arteta and Edu blocked his transfer last year

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Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has revealed that he was very close to leaving the club last year, but Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta refused to let him go.

The Swiss international has often divided opinion among Arsenal supporters. His performances have been criticised on numerous occasions, while his outburst against home supporters back in 2019 almost cost him his Gunners career.

However, Xhaka, branded as ‘phenomenal’ by Arteta, got back on the good side of most Arsenal supporters. He had a fantastic campaign last term, and he will likely start the upcoming season as a regular starter as well.

Things could’ve been very different for Xhaka. The Swiss star has revealed that he was actually very close to leaving Arsenal this time last year, with Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma keen to sign him.

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Granit Xhaka says he was very close to leaving Arsenal last year

In his interview with ESPN this week, Xhaka was asked if rumours linking him with a move to Roma were true.

“It was something, yes,” he replied, before revealing that it was “very close” to completion.

When asked why it didn’t happen, Xhaka said: “Because Mikel was the guy with Edu, they didn’t let me go because they wanted to keep me here.

“Of course, my first reaction was to stay at the football club, but they opened the door: ‘If something comes, I can leave.’ I have to be honest as well. I don’t want to say a name now, but the door was open for me to leave the club as well.

“But in the end, people decided to keep me here.”

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Arsenal were linked with plenty of top-quality midfielders last summer, and the only reason they didn’t bring anyone in is that Xhaka stayed at the club. The Swiss international still continues to divide opinion, but we feel Arteta’s decision to keep hold of the £35 million midfielder was the right one.

The Gunners’ transfer policy is to sign young players who have the potential to develop into superstars. If Xhaka had left last year, Edu would’ve probably signed an inexperienced midfielder. That could’ve cost Arsenal more than it did.

Arsenal have the youngest squad in the Premier League, which means keeping the likes of Xhaka around is extremely important as their experience could massively benefit the youngsters.

Xhaka was phenomenal for Arsenal in the second half of last season, and Gunners fans will be hoping he can continue that form into the new campaign.

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