Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Sunday he hopes midfielder Granit Xhaka stays at the club amid speculation he could sign for Hertha Berlin in the January transfer window.
Arteta spoke to reporters about the Swiss midfielder's future and explained why he was not in the squad for the Gunners' 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
"He played well at Bournemouth and after he started to feel ill and the last two days he's been in bed," he said. "I hope he doesn't leave."
Xhaka's agent, Jose Noguera, has told Blick that the midfielder has agreed terms with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin and wants to depart when the transfer window reopens:
The midfielder's future at Arsenal has become uncertain after he reacted angrily to supporters when being substituted in October's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace:
B/R FootballArsenal captain Granit Xhaka: —Cheered when subbed off —Booed because he was walking —Cupped his ear to the crowd —Took his shirt off and walked down the tunnel ud83dude33 https://t.