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Mikel Arteta asked Arsenal stars to help him convince Granit Xhaka to snub Hertha Berlin transfer


Granit Xhaka has rediscovered his best form under new Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta revealed he enlisted the help of senior Arsenal players in an attempt to convince Granit Xhaka to snub a move to Hertha Berlin.

The Switzerland international had been furious with the way Unai Emery dealt with the fallout of his row with Arsenal fans during October’s stormy 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy and missed five matches in all competitions before he was restored to the team, shortly before Emery was sacked at the start of December.

Hertha Berlin are confident of signing the former Borussia Monchengladbach star this month with Xhaka’s agent revealing recently that a deal had already been agreed in principle.

The 27-year-old was outstanding in last night’s 2-0 win over Manchester United and Arteta remains desperate to keep hold of his most experienced midfielder.

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‘I had a conversation with him and I wanted to understand his feelings first, the reason why he was thinking here probably wasn’t the right place to continue his career,’ said Arteta when asked if Xhaka’s mindset had changed.

‘I gave him my opinion, my perspective, and I told him that I was ready to support him from the club perspective.

‘I wanted his team-mates to get his back and help him to change his mind because we need him. I believe that if we were able to do that the fans would respond in a positive way.

‘I’ve seen him act every day, how he trains, how he lives his profession and the quality of the player. He could be a really important player for the club.’

Asked whether Xhaka could still leave, despite the landscape having altered, he added: ‘I hope [not]. I don’t want him [to leave]. I said to the club no and I said to him no. After in life I cannot control what happens.’

MORE: Mikel Arteta confirms Granit Xhaka will stay at Arsenal and gushes over midfielder

MORE: Mikel Arteta breaks silence over Granit Xhaka agreeing deal to leave Arsenal and join Hertha Berlin





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