Arsenal close to sealing Granit Xhaka’s signing, playmaker to sign 5-year deal worth £120k-a-week

Arsenal are looking to add reinforcements in their defensive midfield department. A move for Borussia Monchengladbach’s midfielder, Granit Xhaka is on the cards and if reports are anything to go by then a move should occur imminently. The 23-year-old Swiss has struck up stellar performance for the Bundesliga outfit.

The Gunners have reportedly made an initial bid which was deemed unworthy by the gladbach hierarchy. Yet another and more impressive bid of €43 million (£34 million) has been made for the Swiss player.

According to the Rheinische Post (h/t BT Sport’s Archie Rhind-Tutt), the transfer is now on the brink of being completed with only minor details remaining as the two clubs have come to a gentleman’s agreement.

The Gunners will offer Xhaka a five-year deal worth £120,000-a-week. German football journalist Raphael Honigstein also offered his take on a possible deal, suggesting Arsenal could pay €50 million (£39.5 million) for the player in total inclusive of add-ons.

Granit Xhaka possesses a physical presence and defensive application which Arsenal have lacked in midfield. The 23-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder that has the ability to provide a combative base for the Gunners next campaign.

He will provide a much more intimidating look to the Arsenal side that often has more creative fluidity without much of a defensive shield. Additionally he is a natural leader and often commands the ball and once it’s on his feet he can create something special for the team.
Xhaka has exceptional technical ability. He commands the midfield role and ensures nothing gets past him.  That’s been a key feature in the way in which Monchengladbach have played this season, excelling at nicking the ball back off opponents and countering with pace.

This will be crucial for Arsenal against bigger games. That and another striker will surely make them a force challenging on all four fronts.