Arsenal set to hand "special" player three-year deal

Arsenal are reportedly planning to offer Granit Xhaka a new three-year deal to keep him at the Emirates.

Xhaka, 30, has played a key role for Arsenal this season, helping the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.

The Switzerland international has consistently started in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and more recently, Jorginho.

He has also scored four goals and provided five assists in 24 league games this season, more than double the combined total of his two previous campaigns.

Xhaka is currently under contract with Arsenal until 2024 but the Premier League leaders are considering handing him a new three-year deal.

Football Insider claim Arsenal are 'keen to keep hold of Xhaka and avoid losing him on a free transfer'.

The report claims 'Xhaka is happy at Arsenal' and 'eager to pledge his long-term future to the North London club'.

Arteta is said to value 'Xhaka as a key player at Arsenal and views him as a leader in the club's dressing room'.

A similar report from 90min claim that Arteta has given his 'seal of approval' for the player to be handed a new deal.

Arteta: Xhaka is 'special'

Earlier this season, Arteta described Xhaka as a "special" player who had learnt from his past mistakes at Arsenal.

"He's a special person. He's very straight, he's very honest, he's very loyal and he's very passionate about what he does," Arteta told Sky Sports.

"So when you have someone like that you want to help him, you want to protect him, you want him to fulfil the talent he has.

"He's made some mistakes and he's learnt from it, but he has always faced adversity and difficulty and he's never run away from it."

"This is what all managers wants from their players," Arteta added.

"You know you can count on him, he will fight and break walls for you. This is what we expect from our players."