Search icon

Sport

01st Aug 2016

Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka explains the truth behind those Liverpool rumours

Here's what happened.

Tom Victor

Granit Xhaka’s arrival at Arsenal is the most exciting news to hit North London since Piebury Corner added their ‘Theo Walcott’ pie.

But the Swiss midfielder might have found himself beginning the 2016/17 season at Anfield, if rumours were to be believed.

Xhaka impressed in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach, leading to suggestions that Jurgen Klopp might make him one of his first Liverpool signings.

But Xhaka has revealed that he had no intention of waiting for interest from Merseyside once he learned an Arsenal move was on the table.

Euro 2016 - Switzerland Press ConferenceUEFA handout/Getty Images

“A while ago, I spoke to Arsene Wenger. But this club fits to me and I fit to it,” Xhaka is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail, adding that he received no direct contact from Klopp or Liverpool.

“Arsenal play attractive football and I enjoy that. I think you could see against the MLS side that this team has a lot of quality and we’ll give our all to show that on the pitch.”

Xhaka is expected to make his competitive debut for Arsenal in the Premier League clash with Liverpool on August 14, when he will come face-to-face with two more new arrivals from the Bundesliga, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan.

Want to win a free TV or iPad? Enter the draw to win one by taking part in our #MenUnmasked survey.