Report: Arsenal to end interest in two players after Arteta confirms Xhaka is staying

Arsenal has in this summer transfer window been linked with many central midfielders since the North London club has lost Matteo Guendouzi, Dani Ceballos and were soon also going to sell Granit Xhaka to AS Roma as the Italian club seemed to be close to completing the deal. Granit Xhaka’s move to AS Roma collapsed after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on the fee. We however take a look at two players that the gunners will stop pursuing after they decide to keep Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal will not only refuse to sell Granit Xhaka to AS Roma but will also be offering the Swiss international a new deal to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium, and Mikel Arteta confirmed the stay of the midfielder in yesterday’s press conference.

“Granit is going to stay with us. He’s a player that we rate and value so much, he’s a key member of our squad. He’s trained two days. He wanted to play today and I think it’s very clear commitment from his side that he wants to be here.” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal Media.

Arsenal was in the market for a central midfielder to try to sign a replacement for Granit Xhaka and we now take a look at two players that they will stop pursuing now that he is staying.

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 16: Manuel Locatelli of Italy celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Italy and Switzerland at Olimpico Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

1. MANUEL LOCATELLI

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli and they have been facing competition from Juventus who are also interested in the Italian star that was impressive but the North Londoners could now bow out of the race since they will now be keeping Granit Xhaka.

2. RUBEN NEVES

Ruben Neves has been impressive at Wolverhampton in the last few years and he has in this summer transfer window attracted interest from the North Londoners as they were in need of a central midfielder since they were not going to go into the new season with only Lokonga, Partey and Elneny as their only options. However with Xhaka staying, Arsenal will put their resources elsewhere.