Granit Xhaka has denied ever speaking to Liverpool or Jurgen Klopp about a potential move to Anfield despite wide press coverage claiming he was their ‘number one target.’

Back in January, the Mirror went with the headline ‘Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ‘makes Swiss star Granit Xhaka his No.1 summer transfer target’ while throughout the following months a number of other papers and websites made similar claims.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka (R) fights for the ball against Chivas Guadalajara during their friendly soccer match at StubHub Center in Carson, California on July 31, 2016. Arsenal won 3-1. / AFP / RINGO CHIU
Granit Xhaka (R) fights for the ball against Chivas Guadalajara during their friendly soccer match at StubHub Center in Carson, California on July 31, 2016. Arsenal won 3-1. / AFP / RINGO CHIU

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Granit put a few things straight. “I personally never had contact with (Jurgen) Klopp or Liverpool.

“A while ago, I spoke to Arsene Wenger. But this club fits to me and I fit to it. Arsenal play attractive football and I enjoy that. I think you could see against the MLS side that this team has a lot of quality and we’ll give our all to show that on the pitch.

“It’s a really nice feeling to play for such a great and big club for the first time. I really enjoyed it and I think it showed on the pitch that I’ve been welcomed really well, that I have the trust of my team-mates. I’m really pleased to have finally played my first game.”

Xhaka has impressed in his limited time in an Arsenal shirt and it seems clear that he could become one of the signings of the summer and the steel rod that has been missing in Arsenal’s spine.

Until he gets injured.

Obviously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8KVdQ1M16g