Granit Xhaka stuns Arsenal with transfer bombshell saying ‘I want to take the next step’
The 26-year-old - who signed for the Gunners in 2016 - outlined his ambitions while on international duty with Switzerland
ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka has dropped a bombshell by declaring he is considering leaving the club - just one year after signing a five-year contract extension.
The Swiss midfielder made the announcement while on international duty ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Georgia and Denmark.
Xhaka, 26, joined the Gunners in 2016 for £35million from Borussia Monchengladbach and has featured in 126 games, netting on 11 occasions.
He has established himself as a key player under Unai Emery - captaining the side on a number of occasions this season.
But his recent comments are unlikely to go down too well with the Spaniard, who has taken his Arsenal squad to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp.
Speaking to , Xhaka - who also revealed his father analyses every game - said: "I’m very ambitious, I want to take the next step.
"Arsenal does not have to be the last stop."
Gunners fans have been left stunned by his statement, as one said: "I like Xhaka but let's see him perform consistently for us before he starts looking to bigger things. He hasn't proved he's good enough whatsoever yet.
While another commented: "Wouldn't read too much into this, but if Xhaka were to leave, I wouldn't blame him."
Another tweeted: "He’s a good player, a deserved starter most weeks. But I don’t think we have to worry about Real Madrid or Barca beating down our door anytime soon.”
I’m very ambitious, I want to take the next step.
Granit Xhaka
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One simply stated: "If he could be gone tomorrow I definitely wouldn't have a bad day."
Xhaka is tipped to be named the club's player of the season following a number of dazzling displays at the Emirates.
And he recently captured the hearts of many after he gave his eight-year-old friend a week to remember to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
