awooga83 wrote:
Well from the reports Xhaka wanted to leave at all costs. I have no idea where he may have ended up but for me he was not going to be part of Arsenal becoming a better team and personally I think he's a very toxic individual so I would have wanted him out asap.
As I said I could believe that the initial positive chat was to get through the initial season but after that I don't get it. Nothing good will come from him continuing to be part of the team. Xhaka is an average player but his flaws make him a negative so I'd rather put up with some other average player who doesn't have those errors while we get a replacement.
IMO there are 2 explanations:
1 - Arteta had no direct input until after Sanllehi departed and he was subsequently (not immediately IIRC) promoted to Manager, rather than being Head Coach;
2 - COVID fucked our finances.
Combine the 2 and the club failed to purge, and also failed to provide the finances and the ambition/direction needed last summer.
EDIT - I also suspect Xhaka is probably the most senior player who was likely 'loyal' to Arteta after the rescue Arteta performed, and I'd say that his influence was required at least until they purged the other senior players who were a bigger issue in terms of attitude.
IMO the only reason to retain Xhaka next season would be if Arteta is told there is no transfer kitty and he needs to sell to raise revenues if he wants to make changes. As it stands whilst the midfield is the area of greatest need IMO you do not weaken it further when trying to improve by selling before you can buy unless you have an agreement in place regarding both a sale and replacement.
