Even the Italian media have given up on linking Granit Xhaka with a move away from Arsenal, calling him “non-transferable”.

Granit Xhaka has now spent over six years with Arsenal, and he looks likely to last at least another one or two given his upturn in form this season.

Yet there were plenty of times when it looked like the 30-year-old might leave north London, usually for a return to the Bundesliga or a switch to Serie A.

Back in the summer of 2020, the Italian media were adamant that Xhaka was on the verge of joining AS Roma, with the move seemingly only falling apart due to Roma’s refusal to pay an extra €7-8m to meet Arsenal’s asking price.

Even this summer, Italian clubs were again linked with a move for Xhaka. Yet it seems the last few months have finally convinced the local media to give up on that possibility.

TMW report that nobody wants Xhaka to leave Arsenal anymore, and Mikel Arteta considers the player non-transferable, even for a monstrous offer.

The same outlet claims Jose Mourinho asked again for information about Xhaka in the summer, but he was met with a flat denial.

You start to wonder if Xhaka’s current form may even end up leading to a contract extension. The player already has a deal lasting until 2024, but adding another year would help to avoid any speculation this summer.

Perhaps that’s something to think about over the World Cup break, if and when Switzerland exit the competition.