Arsenal will focus on strengthening other areas of the squad now that Granit Xhaka is set to remain with the club this summer.

Granit Xhaka celebrates with Emile Smith Rowe after he scores to make it 1-1 during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: Paul Terry / Sportimage
Granit Xhaka celebrates with Emile Smith Rowe after he scores to make it 1-1 during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: Paul Terry / Sportimage

On Sunday, Mikel Arteta told the media that Granit Xhaka would be staying with Arsenal this summer, and that he’s a key member of the squad. The midfielder also reportedly requested to feature in the Chelsea friendly, in which he scored a header.

The Telegraph report that Xhaka had initially been expected to leave the club, resulting in a gap in the Arsenal midfield and work to do for Edu and Arteta in the transfer market to replace the Swiss international.

Now, Edu and Arteta will instead hope to strengthen other areas of the squad, according to the reports. The attacking midfield position has become a priority before the new Premier League season begins.

Some Arsenal fans will be unhappy about this development, though I have to say the supporters in the ground on Sunday seemed to be overwhelmingly backing Xhaka in the warm-up and on the pitch against Chelsea.

The key thing is that it removes a couple of immediate complications for Arsenal. Rather than worrying about selling Xhaka and signing a replacement, they can focus on filling the positions that already need addressing – such as attacking midfield.