Football

Arsenal transfer round-up: Grant Xhaka U-turn as Mikel Arteta makes firm statement


The Gunners have flourished with a number of new signings in their ranks this term and the club’s recruitment team will have their eyes on the upcoming transfer window as an opportunity for further business

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Arteta invites Wenger to return to Arsenal in some capacity

Arsenal’s overhaul of playing staff has been drastic under Mikel Arteta – and it only looks set to continue at the Emirates.

The Gunners have made progress this season after bringing in six players over the summer, many of whom have contributed heavily to the club’s recent good form.

After spending more than £150million in the off-season, it is unclear whether Arteta has any cash left in the pot to fund new additions in January.

But it is likely there could be some outgoings with various players’ contracts running down and more deadwood for Arteta to shift as part of his rebuilding process.

Here Mirror Football takes a look at the latest Arsenal transfer gossip.







Granit Xhaka’s old director has opened the door to his return in the future
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Image:

Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Xhaka U-turn

The Arsenal career of Granit Xhaka has already had plenty of twists and turns already – and now his former club have raised the suggestion of a potential return to the club.

Borussia Monchengladbach chief Max Eberl has previously admitted he is “not a fan” of players heading back to their old employers, but it seems he has relaxed his stance.

“Granit had a great time here,” Eberl told Bild on Friday morning.

“The fact that he has a very close relationship with the club and the region makes us very happy. We still have irregular contact.

“He has hinted at this more than once. Granit told me his salary, and I told him to play a few more years at Arsenal and then we can talk more.”

Xhaka has been linked with the Arsenal exit door as recently as last summer but scuppered any talk of a move when he penned a new contract till 2024.

Yet Eberl was realistic as he stressed any bid from Monchengladbach will likely not be made before then.

“It’s a nice story and always nice when players express themselves like that,” Eberl said. “When he’s really 32 years old, I’ll talk to him again.”

Arteta’s Pepe transfer stance






Mikel Arteta wants to keep hold of Nicolas Pepe

Mikel Arteta has dismissed talk of Nicolas Pepe leaving Arsenal amid the winger’s recent links with Newcastle.

Pepe has so far failed to live up to his £72million price tag and looks unlikely to fully justify that figure after a difficult start to life in north London.

However, Arteta insists there is still more to come from the 26-year-old in a Gunners shirt.

Asked whether Pepe could depart in January, Arteta replied: “No, and it is not the moment to talk about that either.

“We are interested in Nico performing at the level that he can do.

“He had some really good moments since I have been here, some moments where he hasn’t participated that much, like everybody else.”

Elneny contract won’t be terminated







Mohamed Elneny’s father insists the midfielder is not going anywhere in January
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Image:

Getty Images)

Despite all the speculation linking Mohamed Elneny with a switch to Galatasaray, it appears the Egyptian midfielder will in fact be staying at Arsenal for at least the time being.

Elneny looked to be surplus to requirements at the Emirates and reports suggested Arsenal were even willing to terminate his contract in January so he could seal a switch elsewhere.

His current deal only runs until the summer anyway, but his father claims any move to the Turkish club is off and he will remain part of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

“Mohamed’s contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season,” he told Al Hayat TV (via Sport Witness ).

“The club does not intend to terminate his contract. His playing in the Liverpool match proves his coach’s belief in him and his abilities.”

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