"Despite reports" - Romano contradicts what has been said about Arsenal star's contract negotiations

Fabrizio Romano claimed there have been false reports regarding Arsenal star Granit Xhaka’s contract situation.

Arsenal's form has taken many onlookers by surprise this season. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently at the Premier League summit, some five points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City.

Indeed, should they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday, a team without a win in 12 games or a manager, the Gunners would be well on track to claiming their first title in 19 years.

And the once-derided Xhaka has been central to Arsenal’s fortunes this term, having started all but one league encounter.

While the 30-year-old’s contract runs at the club until 2024, it has been widely reported that Arsenal are close to agreeing to a new deal with the player.

Romano on Xhaka

Transfer guru Romano has contradicted reports claiming Xhaka is on the verge of signing a new Arsenal deal.

Speaking to Caught Offside, the Italian journalist said: “Despite reports, talks are not advanced now.

“Xhaka is next in the list after Martinelli, Saka and Saliba, but the Saka deal has to be finalized and also Saliba is still in negotiations, so it will take some time before getting the Xhaka extension done.

“It will be discussed in the next months.”

Xhaka has gone from public enemy No.1 at the Emirates to one of the club’s most valued players.

The midfielder’s Arsenal career looked all but over after he was booed off by fans during the club’s draw with Palace back in 2019.

However, Arteta convinced Xhaka to stay at the Emirates, and the player has since thrived in a more attacking role in the side.

Xhaka told Bein Sports in March: “There was one guy, his name is Mikel Arteta. I will always support him, it doesn’t matter what happens.

“Without him, I am 100 per cent sure I would not be in the club anymore. He knows that I have a very good and honest relationship with him. It doesn’t matter what happens on the pitch, I will never ever be against him or say something against him.

“He deserves my respect, but the respect from my family as well. I was gone. I did not want to wear the shirt anymore. He gave me the feeling to do it again.

“I am very proud of myself to wear the shirt again with a lot of respect and love, hopefully, we can end this with a trophy.”