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Granit Xhaka responds to Unai Emery praise after signing new Arsenal contract

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Granit Xhaka responds to Unai Emery praise after signing new Arsenal contract — Granit Xhaka has agreed a new long-term deal with Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Granit Xhaka has thanked Unai Emery after the new Arsenal manager hinted the Swiss midfielder was likely be a central figure in his side.

Arsenal confirmed on Friday that Xhaka had agreed a new deal, subject to the usual regulatory process, two years on from signing for the club from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Im delighted that Granit has extended his contract with us, Emery told the clubs official website.

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Hes an important member of the squad and is still young so will be able to develop even more.

Xhaka responded, saying: On the one hand it shows the importance that I have acquired at Arsenal, he told the official website of the Swiss Football Association.

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On the other I also feel the appreciation the new coach.

It [the extension] gives me a lot of planning security, London remains my centre of life for years.

I have shown that I can withstand the enormous pressure [of the Premier League] and now the next step has to follow.

Emery has so far focused on strengthening the clubs midfield and defence this summer, with Xhakas compatriot Stephan Lichsteiner having arrived from Juventus on a free transfer from Juventus.

Deals, meanwhile, for Sampdorias Luka Torreira, Borussia Dortmunds Sokratis and Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno are also in the pipeline.