Granit Xhaka could be the man to solve Arsenal’s long-term woes in central midfield.
Xhaka, 23, has reportedly been on the Gunners’ radar for quite some time and it seems as though some headway has been made in a potential deal for the Borussia Monchengladbach captain.
German outlet Rheinische Post claims that a deal of $47 million is being discussed between Monchengladbach and Arsenal for the Swiss international midfielder.
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The Daily Telegraph in the UK also believes a deal to sign Xhaka is close but states that the player is yet to agree personal terms with Arsenal but wants the move to go ahead.
With Arsenal’s place in at least the UEFA Champions League playoff round for next season guaranteed on Tuesday night following West Ham’s win against Manchester United, the Gunners need just a point in their final game of the season against Aston Villa to secure a top three spot and qualification to next season’s UCL group stage.
It is believed Arsene Wenger is keen to tie up the deal for Xhaka before the 2016 European Championships in France this summer.
The Swiss midfielder formerly played for FC Basel alongside Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and he would be expected to either take Francis Coquelin’s place in the team or play alongside him if Wenger decides to go with two holding midfielders next season.
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Arsenal’s manager isn’t short of central midfield options with Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla also around, but given the fact that Matheiu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky will likely depart this summer, Xhaka will add steel to central midfield.
He is a box-to-box midfielder who has been sent off five times for ‘Gladbach over the past four-and-a-half years but rather than being reckless he picks up lots of yellow cards for making crunching tackles. He also love to get on the ball, which will of course suit Arsenal’s playing style.
Sound like the kind of player Arsenal have been missing for a while?
Now, if Arsenal do tie up the deal for Xhaka then a new striker and central defender should also be on Wenger’s shopping list this summer as he looks to add three quality additions to finally turn his team back into serious title contenders after yet after disappointing late-season collapse this term.