Arsenal are confident of securing a summer deal for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports. Arsene Wenger is in search for a defensive midfielder to help strengthen his squad’s midfield options for next season and Xhaka is a top target.
Arsenal have already begun talks with Borussia Monchengladbach over a possible deal for Xhaka and he is keen on plying his trade is England, specifically with the Gunners, according to reports.
Since moving to the German side from FC Basel in 2012, Xhaka has gone to make more than 130 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach in four years and has become one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. Liverpool have also been linked with Xhaka, with Jurgen Klopp familiar with the player from his Dortmund days. However, ESPN FC‘s sources state that Arsenal are ahead in the race to land the Swiss international.
Xhaka to Arsenal
The Swiss midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the English premier League and has been a target for Wenger for quite a while, with the club reportedly tracking the 23 year old for the past year.
Granit Xhaka looks increasingly likely to leave Die Fohlen this summer for a move to the Emirates. The Borussians are looking for a fee of £34 million for their man but Arsenal are not willing to meet the figure. The Arsenal hierarchy see £30m as a fair price, but both clubs are hopeful of reaching a compromise in order to see the move through.
Xhaka would be a valuable addition to the Gunner’s arsenal. A no-nonsense tough defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass would do wonders for the squad and provide competition to Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny. A natural leader, having captained Die Borussen on a few occasions, he would serve as a big presence on the field and in the dressing room. With Arsenal players known to be injury prone for major parts of the season, having another midfielder who can help the defence would be very welcome to both the fans and the squad.
