Mikel Arteta: Granit Xhaka’s move to Sunderland ‘one of best summer signings’

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka as “one of the best” signings this summer ahead of Saturday’s reunion.

Xhaka returned to England in July with newly promoted Sunderland after a two-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen following his 2023 departure from Emirates Stadium.

Arteta reluctantly allowed Xhaka to leave after seven seasons at the club due to the Swiss international’s desire to go back to Germany, but he spoke fondly of the midfielder before the trip to Stadium of Light on Saturday.

“Yeah, I loved every minute that we spent together,” Arteta said, before he discussed one of his first major decisions in 2019 to convince Xhaka to stay following a tricky time under predecessor Unai Emery.

“When I joined Granit was in a special moment in his life and in his career and, between all of us, we tried to guide him, to give him a different perspective and to make him feel loved and valued.

“He responded in an incredible way. He made me a better coach, he helped us to develop and improve a lot as a football team and as a club. I will be eternally grateful because I have great memories.”

Next up: Arsenal (H)