Granit Xhaka has been linked with an Arsenal exit on more than one occasion this summer.
First it was to Inter Milan and this week he was touted as a potential replacement for Rodri at Atletico Madrid, but following the latter completing a deal for Real Madrid's Marcos Llorente it seems certain that the Switzerland international will be staying put in north London.
But was the midfielder ever open to a move to Spain?
Speaking ahead of last month's Europa League final against Chelsea, Xhaka discussed the strength of the Premier League in comparison to La Liga.
"If you’re three times in the final in the Europa League you have a lot of experience, know how you feeling, how is the pressure and anything else stays within our group," Xhaka said of Unai Emery. "He takes away the pressure but if you are in a final there is always pressure.
"The finals show how strong the league it is. It is the strongest league in the world, better than Spain.
"I’ve never played in Spain, but I’ve played in Germany, I’ve played here and I can only say in my experience that it is strong enough, the English league."
Those comments would suggest that Xhaka is happy in England and this is backed up following an interview with Swiss media outlet Blick earlier in the month.
When asked if he intends to leave Arsenal, Xhaka said: "Not that I know.
"I have another four years contract, I only signed last year. I'm happy there, my family too. That's the most important."
For all your latest Arsenal news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
Keep up to date with the latest Arsenal news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Click here to enroll or text NEWS to 07557204612 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as arsenal dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Layth Yousif and the team on Arsenal.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
