Report: Mikel Arteta convinces Granit Xhaka to stay at Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta appears to have enjoyed a significant early victory in the January transfer window, with Goal reporting that he has convinced Granit Xhaka to stay at Arsenal for at least the rest of the season.

Xhaka’s future looked to lie away from the Emirates heading into the winter window. His relationship with the supporters looked to be damaged beyond repair following the home draw with Crystal Palace.

And Goal reports that he had looked certain to leave, with Hertha Berlin set to sign the Switzerland international. Arsenal were even preparing to try and sign a replacement for the midfielder.

But it appears that Xhaka will not now be leaving after all. Goal reports that Arteta has persuaded the 27-year-old to stay at the Emirates until the summer.

TBR View – Win for Arteta

It remains to be seen what the long-term future looks like for Xhaka. And there are likely to be some supporters who are disappointed to hear that he is set to stick around.

But Arteta will consider it a big win. He has shown that he is ready to show a lot of faith in Xhaka. And the Swiss has arguably vindicated that faith with some improved performances.

He has arguably still got some way to go before he wins all of his critics over. But it appears that he has decided that continuing to work with Arteta offers him the best way to get his career completely back on track.