Mikel Arteta Speaks on Granit Xhaka Leaving Arsenal This Summer

• Granit Xhaka has been linked with a potential Emirates exit at the end of the season
• Reports claim Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen are preparing an offer in the region of £15million for the midfielder
• Xhaka has played an important role in Arsenal's unprecedented Premier League title bid this season

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has addressed Granit Xhaka's future at the Emirates Stadium.

Speculation is rife the Swiss midfielder could dump the Gunners this summer despite playing an influential role in their Premier League title charge.

Xhaka has formed a key part of Arsenal's incredible run this term, with Arteta often deploying him in a more attacking role.

However, reports suggest the Switzerland international is unlikely to continue at the North London club beyond this season.

Gary Neville reveals 4 Arsenal stars who should be blamed for the club's title collapse

Football

According to 90min, the 30-year-old has backed away from contract talks, sparking fears he has set his sights on leaving Arsenal.

The development comes after it emerged that Xhaka had reportedly admitted to his teammates that he was keen on the idea of quitting the Emirates.

Arteta speaks on Xhaka future

However, Arteta has appeared to dismiss claims that his starman is staring at a potential summer exit.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Brighton, the Spaniard showered Xhaka with praises, highlighting the integral role he continues to play an integral in his team.

"I’m not gonna reply to certain stories about Xhaka. I’m extremely happy with Granit, he’s having an incredible season," Arteta said via Metro UK.

"This is probably the best season he’s had at the club. We are really happy to have him," he added.

Two Arsenal stars ruled out

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal duo William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been ruled out for the remainder of the season with injuries.

Carlo Ancelotti admits Real Madrid need to sign new striker while discussing Karim Benzema's future

Football

Saliba is yet to recover from an injury he suffered back in March during a Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon.

Zinchenko, meanwhile, is understood to have hurt his calf during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League last Sunday.

Both players have featured 33 times for the Gunners across competitions this season, meaning Arteta will have to look elsewhere for the run-in.