Arsenal's fanbase has been riddled with arguments and in-fighting in recent years, so it is almost somewhat impressive that arguably no player has proved more divisive and stoked more controversy than Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss international has been at the Emirates since 2016 and has enjoyed spells of superb form as well as enduring runs of dismal showings, his lowest point coming back in 2019 when he swore at the Gunners faithful after they cheered his substitution, before throwing his shirt to the ground as he trudged down the tunnel - an act that cost him the role of club captain.
However, despite such an altercation, the midfielder has somehow seemingly revived his Arsenal career - at least in the eyes of the Gunners hierarchy, who have rewarded him with a new contract extension.
Xhaka was the Arsenal name most heavily touted with a move away from the club for much of this summer, with the 28-year-old relentlessly linked with a transfer to Serie A outfit AS Roma.
A deal between clubs seemed close, as newly-appointed Roma boss Jose Mourinho reportedly made Xhaka his number one target.
Xhaka was rumoured to be keen on calling time on his stay in North London, but a deal failed to materialise as Roma struggled to meet Arsenal's £25m valuation.
As a result, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man has not only stayed put but actually extended his Arsenal stay with a new contract that will see him tied to the club for a further two years with an option for a further year.
While Arsenal are yet to actually announce the extension, Xhaka took to Instagram to confirm the news himself as the decision sparks outrage among the Gunners fanbase.
The deal was met with backlash on Twitter, as one Arsenal supporter wrote: "Never hated an announcement more", while another claimed "We are getting the Arsenal version of Xhaka not Switzerland Xhaka - another pathetic contract handed out a la Willian and Cedric."
Xhaka impressed while away on international duty for Switzerland at Euro 2020, captaining them to the last eight of the competition.
Are Arsenal right to extend Xhaka's contract? Have your say here.
Another Arsenal fan wrote: "No doubt a pay rise as well? Seems to have worked out quite well for him, a decent euros pretend that he's leaving and a new deal. Who's actually running this club?"
This news is just the latest decision from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu that has left fans scratching their heads, the manager already under pressure after two defeats from the opening two games of the league season.
Arsenal's next league outing comes in the form of a daunting trip to the Etihad to face reigning champions Manchester City.
