Unai Emery hails Granit Xhaka amid Arsenal exit rumours

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Granit Xhaka and the Arsenal captaincy were two major themes of Unai Emery’s reign at the Emirates Stadium.

Xhaka’s tensions with the fans were much talked about at the time and it was a major issue at the club for an extended period.

Emery has since been replaced by Mikel Arteta, who retains faith in Xhaka but the Swiss international does not captain the club and the situation appears to be smoothed over.

In an interview with the Athletic, Emery has underlined his strength of feeling about Xhaka and shed some more light on the situation.

“Five captains left in the first year, there were many changes and patience was needed. It was not an easy process. The fans did not have patience.

“Xhaka had problems with the fans and in the dressing room where other experienced players did not understand his role as captain. Xhaka was an important player for me; he was a good person, very committed to his coach.

“The club was happy with me, but the fans were calling for a change, and it had to happen.”

Emery’s comments come at a time when Xhaka is being linked with the Arsenal exit door.

Arteta’s Arsenal want at least €18 million (£14.99 million) for Granit Xhaka amid interest from Jose Mourinho’s Roma, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Xhaka is a committed player but Arsenal really have to go up a level in the middle of the park if they want to push on from fighting for the top four to closing the gap on Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

That said, it is good that the situation no longer seems to be toxic and Arteta deserves credit for that.