Pundit claims there’s ‘no way’ Arsenal should be selling ‘magnificent’ star

Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

Arsenal legend Ian Wright insists that there is ‘no way’ the club should be selling Granit Xhaka based on his Euro 2020 form this summer.

The 28-year-old midfielder looks set to join Roma following Switzerland’s impressive run in the tournament, ending a five-year stay in north London. Xhaka has often struggled to show his best form for the Gunners, despite playing more than 200 times for the club.

But the former Borussia Monchengladbach star has been outstanding at the Euros and Wight was in awe of his ‘magnificent’ display in Switzerland’s shock victory over World Cup holders France earlier in the week.

Speaking on ITV’s Football Show podcast, Wright said: “That is the best I’ve ever seen him [Xhaka] play.

“I feel for him because he’s someone I’ve been very critical of in the past and when you see a performance like, do you blame him or the coaches for not getting those performances out of him in the past?

“I have never seen him used to that effect. There’s no way Arsenal should be selling a player that can play like that, at that level.

“So unfortunately for us it looks like he is going but I’m delighted for him because he’s answered a lot of critics. He was magnificent.”

Transfer Chatter - Ben White transfer saga update, Kane departure up to Nuno and Manchester United and Real Madrid's forward battle

Transfer Chatter - Ben White transfer saga update, Kane departure up to Nuno and Manchester United and Real Madrid's forward battle

Everton are ready to bid for Brighton defender Ben White, Tottenham will not sell Harry Kane without Nuno Espirito Santo's confirmation and Manchester Unitedwill battle Real Madrid for Everton forward, all in today's transfer chatter.

On his own Ringer FC podcast, Wright echoed those comments: “Can I say something about Granit Xhaka? I was delighted to see how well he played, that’s the best I’ve ever seen him play.

“He was everywhere, he done everything and it looks like he’s probably going to Roma. He’s not been my favourite player but what we saw in that game was a complete midfielder who was used properly.

“Seeing him play that well and knowing what we need at Arsenal, it’s a shame we never got performances like that for whatever reason. It’s a shame.”


Two of the biggest teams left in Euro 2020 face off as Belgium battle Italy in the quarter-finals. Here’s everything you need to know.


Serie A perfect for Xhaka

Meanwhile, another former Gunner, Ray Parlour, believes that Serie A is ‘perfect’ for Xhaka.

“He had a really good game against France, but can he do that every game? He’s played well at this tournament, been efficient in midfield,” Parlour told Gambling.com.

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland v France, Euro 2020

“He’s had good games like that at Arsenal, but I just think mobility is key in the Premier League and he lacks that.

“International football can be a bit slower sometimes, the build-up play isn’t as fast which doesn’t suit his game.

“If he goes to Roma, I think Italy is perfect for him. It’s a slower game over there and you know Xhaka has got the passing ability to excel there.

“Whether he goes or not, we’ll have to see. I’m sure Mikel Arteta is across the situation.

“Consistency is so important in midfield, you’ve got to be performing like that week in week out and at times he’s had poor games – like 4 out of 10 games – and you need a player who will guarantee you a 7, 8 or 9 every week, which is difficult to find.

“I think that’s why he hasn’t been able to replicate that Switzerland form for Arsenal, although he was much better last season to be fair to him. The pace of the Premier League is maybe just a little bit too much for him.”

READ MORE: Arsenal could offer La Liga outfit ‘perfect solution’ to thwart Barcelona, Real