Arteta Praises Xhaka as Top Summer Signing
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has recognized midfielder Granit Xhaka as one of the standout signings of the summer. This acknowledgment comes ahead of Arsenal’s match against Sunderland on Saturday.
Granit Xhaka’s Journey Back to England
Xhaka rejoined English football in July after two years at Bayer Leverkusen. His return was marked by his desire to return to the Premier League following his departure from Arsenal in 2023 after seven seasons.
Arteta’s Reflections on Xhaka
Arteta expressed fond memories of his time working with Xhaka, especially during a challenging period in 2019. He recalled how he encouraged Xhaka to remain at Arsenal after the player faced difficulties under former coach Unai Emery. Arteta stated, “I loved every minute that we spent together.”
Impact at Sunderland
Arteta emphasized the positive impact Xhaka has had since joining Sunderland, declaring him one of the best summer signings. He praised Sunderland’s efforts to rebuild and grow as a club in recent years, noting the impressive work they have done.
Addressing Future Matches
When discussing future fixture challenges, Arteta addressed the Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Crystal Palace scheduled for December 23. This match is set just two days after a game against Everton, which raises concerns about player fatigue.
- Fixture: Arsenal vs. Sunderland, Saturday
- Carabao Cup: Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace, December 23
- Arteta’s hope: Moving Everton match earlier
Arteta expressed optimism about managing the tight schedule, saying, “Hopefully not. I’m super optimistic that this will not be the case.” The club is engaged in discussions to facilitate a smoother transition between these crucial matches.
