Romano gives worrying update on "special" Arsenal player's future amid contract fears

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that contract talks are "not advanced" between Granit Xhaka and Arsenal, despite reports.

Xhaka has been reborn under Mikel Arteta this season, playing a key role in the Gunners ascent to the top of the Premier League table.

He has already managed more goals and assists this campaign than in the last two combined.

As a result, Arteta is understandably keen for him to stay in north London. However, a deal could be further away than first anticipated.

Romano drops Xhaka contract update

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside that "talks are not advanced" between Xhaka and Arsenal for the moment, despite reports suggesting otherwise.

Deals for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are said to take precedence, with Xhaka's contract situation having taken a back seat.

The Switzerland international is reportedly "next on the list". However, a deal "will take some time" with talks scheduled for "the next few months."

The news may come as a surprise to Gunners fans after it was reported on Thursday that Arsenal had already 'held talks' with Xhaka over a new deal, as per 90min.

Whilst it was also claimed that both parties were 'hoping negotiations could be concluded fairly quickly'.

Arteta: Xhaka is "special"

Meanwhile, he has been celebrated by his manager this season, with Arteta labelling him "special".

"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."