Former Liverpool player-turned-pundit James Redknapp feels Arsenal should have avoided the signing of Granit Xhaka during last summer’s transfer window.
The Swiss international linked up with the Gunners for £33m prior to the European championships in France, where he stood out with his showing for his home nation.
However, Xhaka has not been able to replicate a similar performance at the north London giants, and his disciplinary reason has seen him miss key games over the course of the campaign.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder appeared to criticise the Gunners for failing to secure the services of N’Golo Kante ahead of Xhaka.
“Arsenal should have signed N’Golo Kante in the summer but ended up with Granit Xhaka,” Redknapp said. “These are the mistakes Arsenal make time and time again.
“They wait too long to make their transfers because no one ever seems to be able to make their mind up.”
Kante joined London rivals Chelsea on a £34m deal last summer, and he has since gone on to lift the PFA of the Player accolade en route to the Premier League crown – his second English title in two seasons – first with Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City.
In spite of Redknapp’s criticism, Xhaka appears to have found his feet at Arsenal in recent weeks with the new 3-4-2-1 formation getting more of player, who is known for his precise long-range crossing.
Fifth-place Arsenal take on Everton at the Emirates later this afternoon where a win could push them into the Champions League places – should Liverpool drop points versus Middlesbrough.
The north London giants still have a realistic chance of attaining FA Cup success when they take on local rivals Chelsea in the FA Cup next weekend.
