Grant Xhaka issues seven-word response to question about Arsenal future

The midfielder has one year remaining on his current Arsenal deal
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Grant Xhaka has kept his cards close to his chest when presented with a question on his Arsenal future.

As reported by London World, Xhaka has opted to call time on his career in North London after seven years at the Emirates Stadium.

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He has one year remaining on his deal and there were suggestions earlier in the season that the Gunners would look to trigger a 12-month extension.

However, Xhaka is said to want a new challenge and will be allowed to leave the club for a fee in the region of £15million. He netted twice as Arsenal beat Wolves 5-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, in what could be his final game for the club.

Responding to question over his future from a fan after Sunday’s game, he said: “We will see next week what happens.”

Arsenal are keen on strengthening their midfield this summer with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo two of the leading names on their shortlist.

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However, they now face competition for Rice from Bayern Munich as Thomas Tuchel has held discussions with the midfielder who is also being eyed by Manchester United.

Sky Germany report Bayern are keen to bolster their options in midfield after dramatically clinching the Bundesliga title last week on goal difference.

When asked about a summer move, Rice, who still has a Europa Conference League final to contend, said: “I’ve not really focused on any of that, to be honest.

“My main focus this season, from the World Cup onwards, has been getting us out of a relegation battle and, of course, having one eye on winning this trophy.

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“Everything else is just noise and speculation. Obviously, I can’t help that, it comes with playing. But my main focus is playing for West Ham and winning this final.

“My heart’s set on that, doing it for the club, for my family, for the fans and that’s my only focus. I want to make them all very happy and my focus is on doing that.”

Despite interest from Bayern, Arsenal are still expected to make a bid for Rice who is valued at around £100m by West Ham.