Arsenal star set for contract talks after huge turnaround

Arsenal travel to Elland Road on Sunday to face Leeds United with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to strengthen their grip on top spot in the Premier League. 

The Gunners currently sit a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, who face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Arteta’s side have started the season in fine form, winning eight of their nine matches in the league so far, with their only loss coming against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

A number of players have impressed for the London side, few more so than Granit Xhaka, who has recovered from his lowest point at the club to now become one of Arteta’s most valuable assets.

In October 2019, the Swiss midfielder was booed off the pitch by Arsenal fans after a poor performance against Crystal Palace, and he was stripped of the club captaincy less than a month later.

He was also seen gesturing to the club’s supporters and throwing his armband at the ground while walking off the pitch against The Eagles, which did little to earn the support of the fans.

Xhaka is set to be offered a new deal

Three years on, though, the 30-year-old has turned things around and is now quickly becoming a fan favourite at The Emirates.

Now, according to Football Insider, the midfielder will enter into talks over a new deal in December.

Xhaka’s current contract isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2024, however his impressive run of form this season has persuaded club bosses to offer the player an extension.

In nine Premier League games this season, the midfielder has scored twice and provided three assists, taking full advantage of a slightly advanced role.

Since joining Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, he has made more than 260 appearances for the club.

The player will travel to Qatar for the World Cup with Switzerland, and then talks will commence once he has returned, the report claims.

A number of his teammates, including William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, are also set to be offered new deals, with the pair both set to be out of contract next summer.