A year ago
This season, Xhaka has played a significant role in Arteta's midfield.
Mikel Arteta lauded Granit Xhaka's contribution to Arsenal's surprising title run this season, but he would not speculate on whether the midfielder will remain with the team for the upcoming year.
This season, Xhaka has played an important role in Arteta's midfield alongside Thomas Partey, emerging as a well-liked figure of authority and gaining the respect of fans after a public altercation in 2019 threatened to jeopardize his inclusion in the team.
The 30-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, and Bayer Leverkusen of the Bundesliga has been widely connected with a move for him.
He played for Borussia Monchengladbach for four years in Germany before Arsene Wenger acquired him for about £30 million in 2016. Despite this, he had a tense relationship with Arsenal supporters that culminated in an altercation as he was replaced during a match against Crystal Palace at the Emirates four years ago.
His tenure at the club appeared to be finished after manager Unai Emery stripped him of the leadership.
The Switzerland international, though, has made a full recovery this season as Arsenal defeated Manchester City for the title and made their six-year absence from the Champions League official.
"For me (he's been) crucial - really, really important at every level, and I think for the team and the club as well," Arteta said. He added that he will reserve any comments regarding the fate of any members of his team until after Sunday's Premier League match against Wolves.
"In the fantastic moments, like this season he's had, and in the challenging ones, because I believe we've improved as a team and as individuals and have a greater understanding of certain situations than we did in the past rather than simply passing judgment on them.
"I think the club and many people did really well to delve in there to understand what happened emotionally and why those reactions were happening," the speaker said.
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