Granit Xhaka triggers concerns over his long-term future at Arsenal

Switzerland international Granit Xhaka has dropped concerns regarding his long-term future with Arsenal after admitting he could pursue the next step away from the club. The midfielder has transformed into a key performer under Unai Emery this campaign, contributing four goals and three assists across all competitions for the club.

Speaking to Tagblatt, Xhaka has now presented doubts whether he could remain with the Gunners for the long-term after admitting that he is very ambitious and would not want the north London side to be the last stop, he said: "I’m very ambitious, I want to take the next step. Arsenal does not have to be the last stop."

Xhaka’s comments are unlikely to go well with the Gunners supporters, given they have already witnessed Aaron Ramsey agree to join Juventus on a free transfer during the summer. Moreover, the Swiss has managed to find his best form under the guidance of Emery this year and such remarks at the present situation would produce question marks whether the midfielder remains committed to the club.

Despite this, “the hierarchy are unlikely to focus on the situation for the moment with the club currently pushing for a return to the Champions League next term" . The north London giants are presently two points ahead of Manchester United in the race for the fourth position and they seem “to have the advantage" with no matches against the top-six for the rest of the season.

Nonetheless, Emery’s side can’t afford to be complacent, given they have a number of tricky away trips where they could lose ground on the top four. Elsewhere, the Capital outfit can qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League altogether, but the challenge remains far from easy with a testing double-legged tie against Napoli at the quarter-final stage.