Mikel Arteta confirms Granit Xhaka will stay at Arsenal despite rumours linking the Switzerland midfielder with a move away from the Emirates this summer Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta described Granit Xhaka as 'key member of the squad' Xhaka was reportedly close to joining Serie A side Roma earlier this summer Thomas Partey sustained an ankle injury during a friendly defeat to Chelsea Arsenal will play their final pre-season friendly against Tottenham on August 8 By Pa Sport Staff Published: 22:03 BST, 1 August 2021 | Updated: 22:03 BST, 1 August 2021 Viewcomments Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed midfielder Granit Xhaka will not be leaving the club this summer. The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium and was reportedly close to joining Roma, now managed by Jose Mourinho, just a few weeks ago. Xhaka headed Arsenal's equalising goal during the Gunners' 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Granit Xhaka will stay at the Emirates this summer according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta Arteta (right) described Xhaka as a key member of his squad after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea After the game, Arteta told TalkSPORT: 'Granit is going to stay with us. He is a key member of our squad.' Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey sustained an ankle injury in the first half against Chelsea following a collision with Ruben Loftus-Cheek. After the match, Arteta told reporters: 'I just had a talk with the doctor. He'll have a scan tomorrow. At the moment, it's not looking good.' Arsenal play one final friendly against north London rivals Tottenham on August 8 before their Premier League campaign gets under way against newly-promoted Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium. Thomas Partey (right) picked up an ankle injury after a collision with Ruben Loftus-cheek (left) Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility