Arsenal star ‘never had any contact’ with Klopp, thinks Liverpool are ‘a team to be reckoned with’

Before Granit Xhaka signed for Arsenal, one of the big rumours circulating around Germany was that then-new Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp wanted to bring the Swiss international to Merseyside.

Eventually bought by Arsène Wenger, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach defensive midfielder (through his agent) was reported to have talked with Klopp about a possible move to Anfield, but this has now been denied by the player himself.

Speaking to SportBild on Wednesday, the player has made it clear a move to Liverpool was never really on the cards, and that he is happy with his choice of coming to the Emirates instead.

He said: “I personally never had any contact with Jürgen Klopp. He’d already shown his great football at Dortmund, where he was twice champion, and Liverpool certainly don’t have a bad team. They play Klopp football, press hard, run like crazy. They’re a team to be reckoned with.”

Making a 23 minute cameo in the 4-3 loss to the Merseyside club at the beginning of the season, the Swiss international will undoubtedly be keen to exact his revenge when the two sides meet next on the 4th of March.

By then, Wenger’s side will hope to have closed the two point gap between them and Liverpool.

Xhaka, since his arrival in London, has made 15 appearances for the Gunners, scoring three goals and picking up on red card.