Arsene Wenger has apparently already held talks with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka, with the Frenchman hoping to secure the Swiss star’s signature ahead of the summer transfer window opening, according to German newspaper Bild (via The Independent).
The 23-year-old has been regularly linked with a move to Arsenal, but the links have always been less than concrete. The report suggests Wenger has been in discussion with Xhaka’s father and his agent, with the midfielder keen on a move to the Premier League.
Xhaka has previously spoken about his desire to play in England, suggesting that it was a dream of his to make the switch to the Premier League.
“I think everybody has a dream,” he told Sky Sports (via The Independent).
“Everybody has a childhood dream and that’s my childhood dream [playing in the Premier League]. If my dream comes true, it remains to be seen.
“At the moment I cannot say how realistic it is.”
The price being touted seems a little steep, and at £33m (via The Independent) Wenger may well be turned off a little. The Frenchman is known for his frugal nature, with only Mesut Özil costing Arsenal more than Xhaka potentially would (via Goal).
Arsenal only recently signed Mohamed Elneny, who has looked excellent in midfield so far. He appears to be occupying the box-to-box role rather than the defensive midfield position many thought he was being signed for, which is where Xhaka would fit in too.
It’s questionable whether he’s exactly what Arsenal need, but with a number of players heading into the twilight of their careers, perhaps there could be more space this summer.
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Xhaka is certainly a quality midfielder, but as he has previously stated, at the moment he’s not sure how realistic a move to England is.