Mikel Arteta has declared his admiration for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, revealing he was interested in bringing him to Manchester City when he started as Pep Guardiola's assistant.
Xhaka's future at the Gunners has looked bleak since he reacted angrily to fan abuse earlier in the season, with former manager Unai Emery even conceding he would likely be moved on in January.
But with less than a week until the transfer window re-opens, Arteta has given the Swiss international hope that he may have a future with the club.
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The new Arsenal manager admitting he's a been a long-time admirer of Xhaka and is hopeful fans are warming to him again.