Social media did break the news of Swiss star Granit Xhaka being photographed in an Arsenal jersey as the formalities of just naming the player for the London club await. Arsenal did pull off a shock signing of the 23-year-old, though they were linked with him just a few days ago.
Xhaka is one of the best players in his position and would certainly add a bit of bite and aggression in a midfield which hasn’t had that for a number of years. The 23-year-old is also known for his range of passing and also his temper, something which could push the London side onto greater things next season.
Xhaka has had a great season in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchengladbach and played in 37 games for the side. He plays in central midfield as the deep playmaker and can act as a protective shield for the defence as well.
The team would also have a great outlet in pinging the ball about and starting attacks quickly but just how would the team line-up with the current stars they have?
No place in the team for a couple of big stars
While Petr Cech would remain the goalkeeper and the defence would star the likes of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal as the fullbacks and Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as the centre-backs, the real change in the side would be in midfield and central midfield to be precise.
We have seen the likes of Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin work to great effect this season but when either one has been missing the side has looked rather poor. Arsenal need some steel in midfield and Xhaka will provide more than enough of that.
The Swiss international would be a sure shot starter for the London club but just who would partner him? When Arsenal would be playing one of the weaker sides it could be Cazorla or Jack Wilshere alongside Xhaka but when the side plays one of the tougher sides, they could use some extra strength in midfield and hence Coquelin could get the nod ahead of Xhaka.
The presence of the Swiss star does also help the attack and the front trio of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott (or a new signing) could reap a lot of benefits while even the main striker in Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck could be happy with the range of passing that Xhaka provides.
Although Xhaka is not the final piece in the Arsenal jigsaw, he is a pretty important one. His versatility and tenacity would be brilliant for the side and that could lead them to a title next season.
