Granit Xhaka replacements: Four players Arsenal could sign after the Swiss midfielder’s bust-up with fans

The Swiss midfielder, who was left out of Unai Emery’s squad for their enthralling defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, issued a statement on Thursday night explaining his actions.

Emery has revealed that the player is ‘devastated’ and appears to have taken Xhaka out of the firing line after the regrettable incident.

Xhaka was sarcastically cheered when he was substituted on the hour-mark at the Emirates, and then booed when he slowly walked off the pitch.

Incensed by the reaction to his removal he responded by cupping his ear to the crowd, telling supporters to ‘f**k off’, before angrily stripping off his shirt and storming straight down the tunnel.

His actions have prompted fury from supporters, although the reaction from the wider football world has been more mixed, with some criticising fans for the initial booing and hounding of their own player.

Simon Jordan rips into Arsenal fans over Granit Xhaka treatment

The Times report Xhaka’s team-mates want him to continue in his role, having voted for him to be given the armband in the first place, while Arsenal legend David Seaman told talkSPORT Xhaka must apologise to the fans.

Therefore, Xhaka’s future well and truly remains up in the air, and talkSPORT.com has looked at four alternatives who could fill the void of the 27-year-old should he depart in the new year.

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