Xhaka wants Arsenal showdown talks and ‘can’t accept what’s happened’ after captaincy strip over ‘f*** off’ row
GRANIT XHAKA has told Arsenal he wants showdown talks about leaving in January.
And the Swiss midfielder, who has been stripped of the Gunners captaincy, said he "can't accept" what has gone on.
Boss Unai Emery has sidelined Xhaka since the 27-year-old sensationally told club fans to "f*** off" during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last month.
The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach skipper has since attracted interest from Newcastle, Milan rivals AC and Inter and his old club in Germany.
Xhaka scored in Switzerland's 6-1 win over Gibraltar on Monday that sent them to the Euro 2020 finals.
He told Swiss broadcaster SRF: "I have a clear idea as to how things should proceed, and Arsenal know this as well.
"Although I still have a contract with them, I will be glad to return to the club - so we can finally sort matters out.
"There will surely be a solution - as I can't accept what has happened with me."
Emery has already conceded that there is a strong possibility that the midfielder won't play for the club again.
He said: "As a coach I have a responsibility for the team.
"We need a player like Xhaka. But also, I don’t know if he’s going to play (for us) again."
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has replaced Xhaka as club captain.
The Swiss international's appointment after a vote among players earlier this season divided Arsenal fans.
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And matters came to a head on October 27 when Xhaka's temper boiled over as supporters booed him following Emery's decision to sub him against Palace.
Arsenal lie sixth in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Liverpool.
They host struggling Southampton on Saturday.
