Wenger's admission shows Xhaka's Arsenal career was doomed from start

Arsene Wenger was left shocked back in 2016 when it dawned on him that new arrival Granit Xhaka couldn't tackle.

The Swiss midfielder was Arsenal's marquee signing that summer having joined from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Gunners spent over £30m on the player, but his flaws were quickly identified.

Xhaka continues to divide opinion among fans even if he has previously donned the armband and continued to be regular under several different managers.

His temperament is seen as a concern with the 29-year-old picking up several red cards during his time in north London.

Xhaka was the subject of interest from Roma in the summer and appeared keen on the move, only for Arsenal to stand firm.

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He has remained a regular but Martin Keown has recalled a stark admission from Wenger, which served as an early warning sign.

"They can't afford to let him go, but one of the worrying things he said was that he's not going to change," Keown told talkSPORT.

"Well' he's going to have to change. He's going to have to learn you can't just give up your place in the team. These sending offs have been ridiculous where he doesn't seem to be learning.

"When Wenger first signed him he said something that was quite remarkable. He paid £35million for him and said he couldn't believe the player can't tackle. I can't imagine my career without being able to tackle.

"It's a basic thing he needs to learn when to go to ground and when not to. Xhaka does need to learn. The fact he's holding his hand up and saying no I'm not going to change is more worrying than what's gone before.

"When I hear people saying I'm not going to change, we're all in trouble here."

Xhaka infamously clashed with the club's fans back in 2019 when he was jeered off.

The Swiss star responded to the crowd reaction, which only served to increase the volume, before taking off his shirt and walking straight down the tunnel.

He has since reflected on that moment and underlined his commitment whilst maintaining he and the fans may never have the greatest bond.

"After what happened two years ago we were very far from each other," Xhaka told The Athletic.

"I think we are step by step coming closer and closer. I don't believe we will be best friends.

"But what I can tell people is from the first day until the last day I am here I will do everything for the football club."