Mikel Arteta given assurances by Granit Xhaka that his future lies with Arsenal

The 27-year-old had agreed terms with Hertha Berlin but has since been swayed to stay in north London after a testing few months

Mikel Arteta has ended speculation over Granit Xhaka’s immediate future after receiving assurances from the midfielder that he wants to remain at the Emirates.

The Swiss international was prepping for an exit during the January window after a controversial period, during which he was stripped of the captaincy for clashing with the club’s supporters while being booed off against Crystal Palace.

Xhaka had agreed terms with Hertha Berlin, but Arteta has pushed for him to change his stance since succeeding Unai Emery as manager on 20 December.

And following the impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United, which marked his first win in the Arsenal dugout, the 37-year-old lifted the lid on his positive talks with the player.

“I think he’s going to stay,” Arteta said. “He was very good [against United]. I really like him, I think the way we want to play, if we get him on board, he can be tremendous for the football club.”

When asked if Xhaka had given him assurances he wants to continue with Arsenal, the manager added, “he did, yes,” before praising his attributes.

“I like the way he is, his commitment, the way he lives his profession, the way he trained and how focused he is,” Arteta said.

“Every time I talk, he’s listening and is willing to learn and is a great football player.

“The way we want to play, there are not many with his quality on the ball, the way he eliminates passes, his range of pass so I’m delighted to have him.”

Arteta also highlighted the contributions of Lucas Torreira. “He’s been really good,” he said. “He wants to fight for every ball, in training he fights for every inch. He’s starting to understand the whole picture better and that’s what I’m trying to do.

“He’s (been) superb. In the three games he’s been top.”

When asked about his plans for Eddie Nketiah, who had his loan spell at Leeds United cut short, Arteta offered: “I’m having a meeting with Edu and Raul [on Thursday] to go through all the loans and situations.

“I know he’s coming so I will speak to him and try to make the best decision for him.”