Arsenal believe that Granit Xhaka will ask to leave the club in January after being stripped of the captaincy, with Newcastle United ready to make a move.

Xhaka is concerned that losing his place in Arsenal’s starting line-up will also jeopardise his chances of playing in next year’s European Championship should Switzerland qualify. He has been given no assurances when or if he will return since he fell out with Unai Emery over the head coach’s request that he apologised for swearing and cupping his ear in response to being booed by home fans when he was substituted against Crystal Palace two weeks ago.

He has been left out of Arsenal’s past two matches but is expected to report to training today. Xhaka recognises that