Arsenal are confident of completing the signing of Granit Xhaka before the transfer window officially opens.
The Gunners originally valued Xhaka at around £20million, but Monchengladbach have stood by their valuation of £32million for some time. Negotiations have already taken place and a fee of £24million + add-ons is now close to being agreed – with the player looking to move to England this summer.
Arsenal had previously tried and failed to agree a fee for Xhaka in January. It is now thought that Arsene Wenger has approved the purchase.
Dubbed the ‘young Schweinsteiger’ by his international coach, Xhaka is just 23 but has plenty of top level experience for club and country. He stands at 6ft 1′ and would add some steel and height to a feeble looking Arsenal midfield.
Capped more than 40 times for Switzerland and with over 100 games for Monchengladbach, Xhaka has become an integral part of the midfield for club and country.
Xhaka can play as an enforcer and a playmaker, with the physical and technical attributes to undertake both roles. This skill set is reminiscent of Patrick Vieira and it’s certainly a presence that Arsenal have been lacking over the last 10 years. His age means he is likely to still improve and potentially become a world-class player. With that in mind, if the Gunners can agree on a fee of circa. £24million, they should be very satisfied.