I don't want Xhaka to leave - Arteta

Mikel Arteta has stated that there is a future for Granit Xhaka at Arsenal.

Xhaka has been despite linked with a move away to Hertha Berlin.

Xhaka's absence from the matchday squad that lost to Chelsea led to suggestions that he could soon be allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window.

 Arteta has refuted those suggestions having named him in his team for the Boxing Day game at Bournemouth.

“He played well at Bournemouth and after he started to feel ill and the last two days he’s been in bed," said the former Gunners midfielder after the game.

“I hope he doesn’t leave.”

On Friday Xhaka's agent Joel Noguera admitted that the Swiss international would like to move to the Bundesliga.

“Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin," Noguera told BLICK.

“We have told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sporting director Edu Gaspar, as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.

“Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear. It’s only about the transfer fee of the clubs.”