Gunners midfielder, who admits Mikel Arteta is the only reason he is still in North London, feels confident about the 2020-21 season
Granit Schaka praised Arsenal’s work in the summer transfer window, as the Arsenal midfielder was delighted to see Pierre Emerick Aubameyang sign a new contract and Willian – the man who “knows how to win trophies” – arrive from Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta has been working hard to get reinforcements aboard the Emirates Stadium.
He doesn’t have the biggest budget at his disposal and can’t compete with the likes of Chelsea when it comes to indulging in over-spending.
However, Arsenal has been creative in his dealings, with veteran Brazilian international player Willian who has acquired him as a free agent.
They also joined another defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, while significant money was brought in from the sale of Amy Martinez to Aston Villa worth 20 million pounds ($ 26 million).
Xhaka is among those who made an impression, amid the promise of more arrivals, as the fighting midfielder said: SDA: “With Willian and Gabriel, Arsenal has brought a lot of quality and mindset into the dressing room. Willian knows how to win titles.
“And the extension with Aubameyang was an important signal for all of us – we want to return to the Champions League.”
Xhaka will have an important role to play for Gunners in their efforts to return to the top four in the Premier League.
He made a fresh start in north London under Arteta, where the Spaniard convinced him to stay and found consistency in an extraordinary performance.
“One thing is for sure,” Xhaka added to his manager. “I wouldn’t be in London without him.
The decisive factor was his philosophy, style and idea. I am really grateful to him for that.
“I get caught up with Mikel Arteta [the FA Cup] win over. It gives him confidence and security.
“We players saved an odd season with the last possible qualification for international business.
“I don’t want to imagine what the reactions would have been if we missed the European League.”
Arsenal’s continental campaign for the 2020-21 season has yet to open, with the focus narrowing on domestic affairs for the time being as two test trips to Liverpool in the Premier League and Carabao Cup are due.
