Granit Xhaka is set to be the first summer arrival at the Emirates Stadium as Borussia Monchengladbach confirmed that Arsenal have submitted a bid of €43 million for the midfielder, according to Bleacher Reports.
The Premier League giant has been heavily linked with the Swiss player in the past few weeks and the deal is likely to be completed in the coming days as Arsenal are aiming to finalize the signing before EURO 2016.
Goal reported that he has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners but his club are stalling on the contract in order to find a replacement for him.
The former Basel player is also determined to have his future sorted out before the commencement of the tournament in France next month to avoid any distraction.
“The season is over now and there might be discussions tomorrow regarding the matter, we will make it together. The decision will definitely be before the European championship,” Xhaka said.
The defensive midfielder has already hinted of his exit from the club. “I played my first competitive match for Monchengaldbach in the cup in Darmstadt. Now perhaps the last game against Darmstadt- the circle has virtually closed.”
However, Arsenal reluctancy to part with the additional €2 million been demanded for by the German club could scupper the deal. However, “I do not think that is enough reason to miss on a player that” would bring versatility and resilient that has been missing in the midfield.
Arsene Wenger is looking to reinforce the midfield following the departure of Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini this summer.
In addition, Xhaka is the sort of player Arsenal needed in that area. He has been rated high by football pundits and suitable for Arsenal style of play. He has won 54 tackles, 89-headed duel and 72 interceptions as well as averaging 85 per cent passing accuracy in the Bundesliga this season, according to Squawka.
The Switzerland international also told Swiss TV station SRF that he has revealed that he has to a move to England.
The Premier League is not my goal, but a childhood dream. It is a dream that could be fulfilled.
‘As of now, I am still a Gladbach player,’ he added. ‘That might change in the next weeks, or it might not.’
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also want to complete the deal before the finishing of the summer’s tournament.
Wenger has also been heavily linked with some couple of players with the like of Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante has also been link to a possible move to the Emirate stadium.
