ALMOST DONE: Arsenal Confirms World-Class Midfielder Deal On A Long Term Contract

Arsenal will take advantage of the one-year extension option written into Granit Xhaka’s Emirates Stadium contract ‘at the very minimum’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Having tied Gabriel Magalhaes down to a new long-term deal last week, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could turn his attentions towards holding further internal discussions with other key men.

What’s the latest news involving Xhaka?

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are preparing to enter talks over fresh terms with Xhaka in the coming weeks.

The report suggests the 106-cap Switzerland international will be involved in discussions over a long-term contract after he returns from the World Cup in December.

Xhaka is set to move into the final 18 months of his £100,000-per-week contract at the turn of the year, meaning Arsenal are keen to reach an agreement over a new deal.

However, the north Londoners also hold an option to extend the central midfielder’s current deal by another year, putting them in a strong position should any interested clubs come forward during the upcoming transfer window.

Xhaka has been on Arsenal’s books since completing a £35million switch from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach six years ago.

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What has Dean Jones said about Xhaka?

Jones believes Arsenal are interested in extending Xhaka’s stay in the capital and, as a result, will head to the negotiating table in the not-too-distant future.

The transfer insider understands that the Gunners included a one-year option they can take advantage of when the 30-year-old signed his current deal.

He is certain that Arsenal will make use of that at the very least as they decide on whether Xhaka has a long-term future at the club.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They already have the possibility to extend his current deal by a year, so they’ll do that at the very minimum.”

Does Xhaka deserve a new contract?

Xhaka has made 265 appearances since joining Arsenal and it could be argued that this has already been his best season in the capital.

That is because he has been hugely productive in the final third of the pitch, contributing four goals and three assists in 15 outings.

Xhaka has also been reliable on the ball and defensively, boasting an 86 per cent pass accuracy and averaging 0.5 tackles per game.

The Swiss star has come a long way since he was stripped of the captaincy and clashed with supporters during a London derby draw with Crystal Palace in 2019, so he deserves to be rewarded with fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium.