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Football London
Football London
Sport
Kieran Horn

Mikel Arteta convinces 15-goal midfielder to turn down PSG transfer for bumper Arsenal deal

With the 2022/23 season now complete, attention for Arsenal will swiftly turn to the summer transfer window. The final weeks of the campaign have made it clear to Mikel Arteta and Edu that significant depth is needed in a number of positions if the Gunners want to be involved in more Premier League title races.

For incomings, football.london has reported since February that Declan Rice is the main target this summer with another midfield addition looking possible. Mason Mount, Mohamed Kudus, Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi have all been linked with an Emirates Stadium switch.

Keeping the core of the squad together, while undertaking a mini-rebuild, will also be important, but a key member of the group looks to be on his way out of the club.

READ MORE: Barcelona hand Mikel Arteta dream Arsenal striker transfer chance with bargain £17m summer offer

Since early May, Granit Xhaka had been strongly linked with a summer move to Bayer Leverkusen and football.london understands he is now in advanced talks to make that transfer in a £13million deal. Xhaka started for Arsenal against Wolves on Sunday and if that is to be his last game, it was a perfect send-off.

The Gunners won their final day encounter 5-0 with Xhaka scoring an early brace which saw him scoop the man of the match award. After being subbed off, the Switzerland international was visibly emotional and he dropped another exit hint on Monday with a social media post.

Xhaka departing could be a blow if adequate replacements are not acquired, but losing another key midfield man would be detrimental and that is certainly a possibility. According to the Mail's Simon Jones, Paris Saint-Germain have made 'surprise soundings' for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, however an immediate transfer appears unlikely for a number of reasons.

Firstly, as pointed out in the report revealing PSG's interest, it is also mentioned that the Norway international is happy in London and a key player in Arteta's plans. Odegaard also looks set to follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka by signing a new contract with improved terms.

football.london understands that the club are currently preparing to begin talks over a new deal for Odegaard. Highlighting his importance to the team, the 24-year-old has missed just one Premier League game all season and scored 15 goals with eight assists from those 37 appearances.

Who is your Arsenal player of the season? Have your say by voting below!

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