Granit Xhakas agent played a clever poker game this summer to convince Arsenal to give him a new contract.<\/p>\n
Thats according to Andreas Bni, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Sport of the Blick Group, who has covered how the Switzerland star came to extend his deal at the Emirates.<\/p>\n
Xhaka was heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer, with Roma keen to sign him after Jose Mourinho made him a priority signing.<\/p>\n
It appeared a move would happen, with reports over several weeks indicating that it was likely, particularly when the midfielder agreed on terms with the Italian side.<\/p>\n
Embed from Getty Images<\/p>\n
However, the two clubs could not agree on a transfer fee and in a shock move, Arsenal elected to hand Xhaka a new one-year deal to extend his contract until 2024.<\/p>\n
The logic behind the move has been questioned by many, but Bni says it was a case of his agent using the situation to his advantage.<\/p>\n
You have to put yourself in his shoes, he told Blick.<\/p>\n
Hes 29, has two years left on his contract at Arsenal, then Roma comes along, gives him a five-year contract, and Jose Mourinho tells him all day long what a great guy he is.<\/p>\n
That you want to stay at Arsenal at all costs is unlikely, if first something like that. Then came his adviser and used that cleverly. <\/p>\n
Xhakas adviser, Jose Nogueira, clearly laid the situation out. Arsenal came to study it because Granit has a very high standing in the club, although he had a lot of drama with the fans. <\/p>\n
The result: Granit signed for four years, much better paid than before; a clever move.<\/p>\n
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Here is the original post:<\/p>\n
Agent played 'clever poker game' to secure new Arsenal contract for client - Player now 'much better paid' - Sport Witness<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Granit Xhakas agent played a clever poker game this summer to convince Arsenal to give him a new contract. Thats according to Andreas Bni, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Sport of the Blick Group, who has covered how the Switzerland star came to extend his deal at the Emirates. Continue reading