After seeming destined to become a Roma player, Granit Xhaka’s cat-like Arsenal career could well be set to continue.

Granit Xhaka came on against Chelsea in Arsenal’s pre-season game on Sunday amidst speculation that his Roma move was in the bin and he was going to be offered a new contract. Nodding in Arsenal’s only allowed goal, the Swiss midfielder did not look unhappy to be back in London.

Of course, this could all be fun and games form Arsenal, who are trying to scare Roma into coughing up a fair price, but either way, the club’s stance is now ‘Granit Xhaka is staying.’

Asked after the match if the Roma deal was still alive, Mikel Arteta replied, “No, Granit is going to stay with us.

“He is a player that we rate and value so much and a key member of our squad. He said he wanted to play today and I think that’s a very clear commitment from his side that he wants to be here.”

Xhaka had agreed a deal with Roma and all signs seemed to be that he was off. But the Italians won’t offer anything above €15m for him and Arsenal are refusing to sell, which is nice to see for a change.

Xhaka is out of contract in two years but a new deal would add more to the 28-year-old’s price tag, and he has just come off the back of a good Euros.

This is, of course, not the first time that we all thought that Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal career was over. Stripped of the captaincy after telling fans to f**k off, he is, remarkably, still at the club and now looks set to be here even longer.