Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear when asked where ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka ranks among best summer signings after dream start at Sunderland

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped big praise on ex-Gunners captain Granit Xhaka following the midfielder's fine start to life at Sunderland this season.

Xhaka, 33, has proved to be a transformational summer arrival for newly promoted Sunderland of late. He has played every minute of his new team's Premier League campaign, registering one goal and three assists in 10 league games so far. Owing to his leadership qualities, the Black Cats are currently fourth in the league table.

Ahead of Arsenal's Premier League match at Sunderland this Saturday (November 8), Arteta was asked to share his thoughts on the left-footed holding midfielder. He responded (h/t football.london):

"Well, with the impact that he's having, one of the best I would say. I think the impact that he's had is brilliant. Really impressed. I loved every minute that we spent together. When he joined, he was in a special moment in his life and his career. He made me a better coach, he helped us to develop as a football team and as a club and I will be eternally grateful."

During his time playing under Arteta at the north London outfit, Xhaka made a total of 147 appearances across all competitions. The FC Basel academy product found the back of the net 12 times and laid out as many assists for the Gunners between December 2019 and May 2023.

After departing Arsenal in a £21 million deal in the summer of 2023, Xhaka helped Bayer Leverkusen lift the Bundesliga title and two other trophies. He registered six goals and nine assists in 99 matches across competitions for Leverkusen between 2023 and 2025.

Peter Crouch offers shock prediction for Arsenal-Sunderland game

Ahead of Arsenal's league match at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch backed Sunderland to defeat the Premier League leaders. He said on That Peter Crouch Podcast (h/t The Boot Room):

"I think that's what I mean. I think going there, the home crowd will be up for it. The [Sunderland] players, it's their cup final. I need something big. And I'm going to go with Sunderland 1-0. I'm willing to die on this sword."

Sunderland are in fourth spot in the Premier League standings with 18 points from 10 matches, while the Gunners are on 25 points from the same number of games.

Arsenal have won nine and drawn three of their last 12 games against Sunderland.