Granit Xhaka "Has Reached His Pinnacle With Arsenal"

Emmanuel Petit has been impressed by Granit Xhaka's transformation at Arsenal but he would not be shocked to see the player leave north London this summer.

Xhaka was removed as Gunners captain in 2019 after reacting angrily to being jeered by a group of fans.

The Swiss midfielder told Arsenal supporters to "f*** off" and threw his jersey on the ground after being substituted during a game at the Emirates Stadium.

It looked at that point as if Xhaka's Arsenal career was over but he has since won over his doubters to become a key player under manager Mikel Arteta.

Xhaka has provided five goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season after being given a more attacking role.

Granit Xhaka pictured celebrating a goal against Leicester earlier this season

IMAGO/Xinhua

But the 30-year-old could be set to leave the club in the coming months after being strongly linked with a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.

Petit, who played for Arsenal 118 times between 1997 and 2000, told FanNation Futbol this week: "I'm not surprised by reports that Granit Xhaka wants to leave Arsenal. He has been there for so long.

"I remember when he threw his shirt on the floor and left the pitch at one point. He was so angry with the fans and I thought that he would never wear the Arsenal shirt again.

"The way he has come back has been brilliant in his new position. He is finally understanding his position under Mikel Arteta.

"You could ask yourself: 'Why is he leaving Arsenal right now?' I believe that he has reached his pinnacle with Arsenal."

Xhaka joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and has so far made 296 appearances in all competitions.

His contract has just 13 months remaining on it.

Petit was speaking to FanNation Futbol in his role as an ambassador for Genting Casino.