Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Granit Xhaka has admitted he is aware of reported transfer interest from Jose Mourinho at Roma, as his future at the Emirates comes into question. The Arsenal midfielder looked set to leave the Gunners last year but was persuaded to stay in north London by Mikel Arteta. Xhaka admits he is open to discussing his future with the Arsenal hierarchy but for now is focused on this summer’s European Championships.
Granit Xhaka said: “Of course I read the rumours too. But now I’m one hundred per cent focused on the national team. That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and at Arsenal, they know what they have in me. When the time comes and we can, may or must talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.“
Jose Mourinho was sacked as Tottenham manager in March after less than 18 months in the Spurs hot seat. However, the Special One wasn’t out of a job for long as he will take charge of Roma in the coming weeks. The Portuguese coach will want to bring in a number of new players to the Stadio Olimpico and Xhaka may be one of them. Xhaka was coy on the rumours but has admitted he admires the former Spurs boss.
Granit Xhaka said: “Honestly, I didn’t hear what Mourinho said, but that makes you proud. Everyone knows Mourinho and what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win trophies.”
Xhaka has two years left on his contract at the Emirates but may join a long list of Arsenal players who leave north London this summer, with the likes of Hector Bellerin and Willian also tipped to go.
