Mikel Arteta has further plans for Granit Xhaka beyond just keeping him at the club for longer.
Arsenal came inches from wrapping up a deal with Hertha Berlin for Xhaka when Arteta intervened.
The Spaniard took charge of the club and gave Xhaka his ideal role at midfield. Since then, the 27-year-old has shone and has abandoned the idea of moving back to Germany. However, not many would have guessed beyond the possibility of him staying for a couple more years.
Arteta has hinted at Xhaka resuming his captain’s duties some time in the future. The Swiss midfielder, who was stripped off the armband only a short while back could be handed the honour once again.
When asked about the possibility of such a thing happening, Arteta replied,”I don’t know, time will tell that. Now he’s happy to stay here, he’s completely committed and that’s a big plus today.”
Arteta was further question about the importance of FA Cup and whether he will be pursuing the trophy this season. He said, “Absolutely. I would like to have more fit players so I can rotate more, but we will see what we have. But obviously it is a competition that is very attached to this football club in recent years and we have to take it very seriously and we have to try to go to the next round.”
Arsenal are due to take on Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday.
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