Granit Xhaka has finally spoken out amid rumours he could be leaving Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The Switzerland international looked to be heading out of the Emirates Stadium exit door following a falling out with supporters when he was substituted against Crystal Palace at the end of October.
However, he had been welcomed back into the fold prior to Unai Emery's sacking, was a regular when Freddie Ljungberg was interim head coach and started Mikel Arteta's first game as boss against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.
But it was after the 1-1 draw with the Cherries when Xhaka's agent, Jose Noguera, dropped a major bombshell over an agreement with Hertha Berlin.
"Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin," he 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."
Xhaka has opted to remain tight-lipped regarding speculation regarding his future.
Until now. Xhaka has taken to social media and to reflect on a 2019 which was full of ups and down for him personally and professionally.
In the post there appears to be a subtle hint over his plans for the new year.
"I want to wish you and your families all the very best for 2020," he wrote on Instagram. "For us, we will always look back on 2019 as an amazing year - the year our beautiful daughter was born.
"On the football side, there have been ups and downs - now it's all about giving everything to make sure the next year is a special one for us all."
Xhaka missed the 2-1 loss against Chelsea with the flu.
He has since returned to training ahead of the massive New Year's Day clash against Manchester United and Arteta has not hidden his desire to keep hold of the midfielder in January.
"I hope not," was the Spaniard's response when asked if he feels Xhaka will leave.
