Taulant dreams of reuniting with his younger sibling, Granit Xhaka, at FC Basel, as he urged the Arsenal star to rejoin the Swiss side.
Granit Xhaka has been an important part of Mikel Arteta’s system at Arsenal. The Gunners boss played a main role in reviving the Swiss captain’s career at the Emirates when he was primed to depart the north Londoners after his fractious relationship with fans boiled over in 2019.
The Swiss midfielder has taken up a different role this season and visibly has improved his numbers in the attack. Xhaka has three goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, as Arsenal top the table and remains on course to win the title for the first time in 18 years.
As things stand, Arsenal have opened talks to extend Xhaka’s contract at the Emirates. The Swiss midfielder’s influence on and off the pitch has become evident, and it has greatly affected many of the younger stars in the squad.
While Arteta has green-lit a new deal for the Swiss star, his elder brother, Taulant Xhaka, reportedly wants the Arsenal star back at FC Basel. His comments appeared on Sport Witness via Blick, where the elder sibling insisted the Gunners star could return in 2026.
Taulant Xhaka said, “We often talk about it.”
“He is tied to Arsenal until 2024; maybe he will extend for another year. But then it would be possible, but he would have to come in 2026 at the latest.
“He also wants to play for the FCB again, together with me. Even if it’s only for ten minutes: I’ll do everything for that.”
The two siblings started their careers at FC Basel. While Taulant never left the club in his senior career, he has also signed a new deal until 2027. Meanwhile, Granit joined Borussia Monchengladbach from Basel before signing for Arsenal in 2016.
If Granit re-signs with the club in 2026, they will have time to play together. Despite being siblings, Taulant and Granit represent different countries. While they are originally from Kosovo, Taulant represents Albania, while Granit is the captain of the Swiss national team.
