Mikel Arteta has opened up on his conversation with Granit Xhaka and reiterated his desire to keep the midfielder at Arsenal.
Xhaka's future at the Emirates Stadium looked to be over after his agent confirmed that an agreement is in place with Hertha Berlin over a January move.
"Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin," Jose Norguera stated.
"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."
But Arteta's arrival as head coach has handed the Swiss midfielder a potential lifeline, with Xhaka playing a key role in the side's improved recent performances.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder was named in the starting line-up for Arteta's first game in charge against Bournemouth, and started in the 2-0 win over Manchester United on New Year's Day.
After the game, Arteta stated that he believes Xhaka will remain at the club.
"I think he's going to stay," Arteta told reporters.
"Yes, [he gave me that assurance]. I like how focused he is, he's willing to learn."
Ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup third round tie against Leeds, Arteta was again asked about the future of the former Gunners captain, and the Spaniard revealed details of his discussions with the player.
"I had a conversation with him and I wanted to understand his feelings first, the reason why he was thinking here probably wasn't the right place to continue his career.
"I gave him my opinion, my perspective, and I told him that I was ready to support him from the club perspective.
"I wanted his team-mates to get his back and help him to change his mind because we need him. I believe that if we were able to do that the fans would respond in a positive way.
"I've seen him act every day, how he trains, how he lives his profession and the quality of the player. He could be a really important player for the club.
"From my perspective I don't want him to leave."
"I hope [not]. I don't want him [to leave]. I said to the club no and I said to him no. After in life I cannot control what happens."
