"He’s been sensational this season" - Pundit admits he was wrong about Arsenal star following 'superb season'
Former Arsenal striker and pundit Kevin Campbell recently admitted he was wrong about Gunners vice-captain Granit Xhaka.
The Switzerland captain has been instrumental in his side's midfield this season and was a key component of their title charge. Granit Xhaka has plied his trade for Arsenal since the 2016-17 season. He is a leader on the pitch, shows positive intent on the ball, and is a good box-to-box midfielder.
Despite his positive traits, he also developed a reputation for losing his head every now and then. He has been sent off five times and received 76 yellow cards in his Arsenal career to date putting the Gunners in perilous situations at times. Xhaka also lost his role as club captain in 2019 after telling his own fans to 'f**k off' after they booed him when he was substituted early.
However, the 30-year-old has gotten his act together under Mikel Arteta. He formed a formidable partnership with Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey in the Arsenal midfield this season. He has scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 46 appearances as the Gunners narrowly lost out on the Premier League title to Manchester City on May 20.
Kevin Campbell acknowledged Xhaka has proven him wrong. He gave his views on the Highbury Squad Youtube Channel (via The Boot Room):
“He’s had a superb season. He has. I think it’s a family thing if he does move. Xhaka has had a great season because he’s been pushed further forward and that’s because Zinchenko has been pushed into the midfield. It’s really worked for him. I never thought a title charge and Granit Xhaka would be in the same sentence, but how wrong was I? He’s been sensational this season.”
Arsenal and Granit Xhaka will next feature in a consolation game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on May 28.
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka reveals when he will make transfer decision
Granit Xhaka recently revealed he would make a decision on his future before the Gunners' clash against Wolves on Sunday, May 28.
The 30-year-old's contract expires at the end of next season, however, he is reportedly close to joining Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with the German club and Xhaka would be valued at £13 million.
Granit Xhaka spoke to Standard Sport:
“You will know the latest next week, for sure. I think they (the fans) deserve that and I do myself as well. We have one more week of this Premier League season, the first thing is I want to enjoy [it] and, for sure, you guys will know next week what happens with my future.”
He added:
“I am thankful for that and I want to give them something back [for] maybe my last game on Sunday."
His comments were pretty ominous and it is likely he will move on after the end of the season. Xhaka has been a great servant for the Gunners and he will leave satisfied as he rebuilt his connections with the Emirates faithful.