GRANIT XHAKA will not be leaving Arsenal in the January transfer window, revealed Mikel Arteta.
The Swiss midfielder, 27, looked on course to be shipped out of the club following his expletive rant at his own supporters in October.
As he was subbed off against Crystal Palace, Xhaka told fans to “f*** off” and sarcastically waved his arms before storming down the tunnel.
Many assumed that would be his last appearance in a Gunners shirt as Unai Emery stripped him of the captaincy.
A deal for an initial loan move to Hertha Berlin with a £25million fee to make the transfer permanent was reportedly agreed.
But new boss Arteta has seemingly given Xhaka a clean slate and wants to work with the divisive figure as he rebuilds the team.
Asked if Xhaka had given him assurances about staying, the Spaniard said: “He did yes.
“I think he’s going to stay. He was very good. I really like him, I think the way we want to play, (if) we get him on board, he can be a tremendous player for the football club.
“I like the way he is, the way he lives his profession, the way he trained and how focused he is. Every time I talk, he’s listening and is willing to learn and is a great football player.
“The way we want to play, there are not many with his quality on the ball, the way he eliminates passes, his range of pass so I’m delighted to have him.”
Arteta was speaking after the 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates.
Goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis in the first half secured all three points for the Gunners, who climbed into the top half of the Premier League table with the win.
But plenty of praise was directed at Xhaka for his performance in midfield after missing the defeat to Chelsea.
