Granit Xhaka is yet to join his Arsenal teammates in training, but he is already getting their praise.
Having signed for the Gunners in May for a transfer fee around $40 million, Xhaka is still enjoying some time off after featuring for Switzerland at EURO 2016.
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While admitting to not knowing Xhaka personally, Arsenal’s veteran center-back Per Mertesacker said he is looking forward to playing with the former Monchengladbach midfielder, calling him “the perfect signing” for the Gunners.
He’s a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield. He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.
He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games. He will be the perfect signing for us.
Xhaka impressed this summer in France, named man of the match in two of Switzerland’s four games. Still just 23-years-old, he already has six seasons of top-flight experience under his belt.
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At Arsenal, Xhaka will join a deep group of talented midfielders, competing with the likes of Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere.