Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Granit Xhaka will stay at the club this season but there is an injury scare after Thomas Partey limped off during a pre-season friendly.
Roma made offers to sign Xhaka this summer and while a transfer looked likely, Arsenal’s valuation was never met by the Serie A side.
Arteta said on Friday that Xhaka remained a “key part” of his plans, but has now gone a step further by confirming the 28-year-old Swiss midfielder will remain at the Emirates this season.
“Xhaka is staying,” Arteta said after the midfielder scored against Chelsea on Sunday’s pre-season friendly. He wanted to play. He is a key player for us.”
Xhaka’s presence could be even more crucial for Arteta after fellow central midfielder, Partey, was injured during Sunday’s 2-1 friendly defeat.
Partey, who joined Arsenal last October from Atletico Madrid, appeared to suffer an ankle injury following a tackle by Chelsea’s forward, Hakim Ziyech and was withdrawn five minutes before half-time.
“I just had a talk with the doctor,” Arteta said.
“He’ll have a scan tomorrow. At the moment it’s not looking good.” (Skysports)