Arsenal fans’ relationship with Granit Xhaka is one only comparable to that of an old couple. Both began with so much love before that love dwindled into hate as the years ticked by. But they still stay together, somehow, no matter the hatred and at the end, people remember them as that sweet old couple that forever stayed together. And, for some time, that looked to be the case for Xhaka and Arsenal.
Say it quietly, but the midfielder was quickly becoming a key part of Mikel Arteta’s setup. The fans won’t admit it, sure, yet it’s clear that with Xhaka in midfield, Arsenal look a stronger side. So why sell up now? Why, now when progress is being made, pull the plug? The Gunners could have sold the Swiss international at any time, but they choose now to offload him to Roma, as reported by Football London.
His departure would leave the midfield looking almost as empty as their European honours. Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard have gone back to Real Madrid, Xhaka looks set to exit. That leaves Arteta with Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey as the natural midfielders to play with. Two players. Not even enough to fill a three man midfield unless Bukayo Saka or Emile Smith Rowe drop back.
Why Arsenal Will Regret Sale of Granit Xhaka
Arsenal Must Land Targets
With the extent of the Arsenal midfield crisis already stated, it is crucial that the Gunners land their targets. It seems the main goal here is to just swap the old for the new, but Arsenal better hope they’ve got the new lined up. If they fail to land the new, Mikel Arteta will not have a better squad than last season. In fact, he won’t have a squad at all.
So why are they so hasty to sell Xhaka? In usual circumstances, you’d just assume that his exit would instantly trigger a new signing, a better, more adequate midfielder. But this is Arsenal. When is it that simple? That’s what the fans will be fearing. They’ll worry that despite all of the clearing of deadwood and hype for incoming players, the new season will start and Arteta will have a smaller squad than Aston Villa- who already beat Arsenal to the signing of Emi Buendia.
Arsenal Lack a Leader Without Granit Xhaka
It’s funny how things work out. Granit Xhaka was once stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after barking back at the booing fans. Now, you look at the squad and he looks like one of the standout leaders, especially in comparison to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- who is a great goal scorer but no leader.
Take the leadership and experience of Xhaka away and the likes of Smith Rowe and Saka will be burdened with that task on top of many others. One day, maybe even sooner than we think, they’ll both thrive as leaders. As soon as next season though? Probably not. Xhaka is needed for that role in midfield on top of his underrated passing range- something which fans will never admit he has.
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