Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given a firm stance on the future of midfielder Granit Xhaka amid links with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Switzerland international has enjoyed an impressive season with the Gunners this campaign, registering the highest goal contribution tally of his career - nine goals and seven assists across all competitions.
However, with just over one year left on his deal, the 30-year-old's future is in doubt as the north London outfit look to reinforce their midfield ranks in the upcoming transfer window. football.london understands that West Ham captain Declan Rice has emerged as a top priority for the club in the coming months, while the likes of Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo also continue to be linked.
It could mean the move for Xhaka is possible, though Arteta wasn't going to be drawn into discussing it ahead of his side's final Premier League clash of the season against Wolves on Sunday. The Spaniard said: "No. I cannot talk and I won’t talk about any future of any players or members of staff. We have to wrap up the season, do what we have to do and then we still start to plan the following season."
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The summer will likely follow a whole range of tough decisions for Arteta and his backroom staff to consider when it comes to their relentless pursuit of victory and trophies. It was yet another common theme of his answers when it came to transfers in the media conference, with his belief of focusing on improving his side and not on anything title rivals Manchester City do.
"No, because we have to nail everything that we do and we have to seek for excellence in everything that we touch and participate in which is going to have a big impact at the club," the head coach replied when asked if it was important to get the window right to match Man City's standards. "I think next season is going to be even harder than this season – which in my opinion has been the hardest of the 22 years that I’ve been in this league.
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"In order to do that, we have a promising plan, we my have to reflect a little bit, take a step back, make sure this is the right one and go again with even more determination and hunger in the tummies to go again." Whether that journey contains Xhaka or not will be seen, but tough decisions may have to be made to reach that next level.
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