According to a recent report on the Sky Germany Transfer Blog, Premier League outfit Arsenal are close to losing their star midfielder Granit Xhaka in the summer, after the debacle that he brought upon himself by swearing at his own fans. It has been suggested that both AC Milan and Inter Milan have shown interest in the midfield destroyer’s signature and that he is looking for a challenge elsewhere as well.
Over the last week, another report emerged from The Telegraph, which claimed that Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is keen to give the Swiss international a run out at St. James’ Park, as the Magpies look to strengthen the core of their team as well. Considering that moving to Tyneside would save him a lot of effort in terms of moving and getting used to a different style of football, it does seem like the best option.
What Attributes Do Granit Xhaka Add To A Team?
The Swiss international is a veteran of the sport, playing professionally since 2003. Now 27, the former FC Basel and Borussia Monchengladbach man is undoubtedly having one of the worst spells of his career and looks eager to leave the Emirates at the earliest to get regular playing time. He has enough experience to carry a team singlehandedly, having already played 82 times for his country.
The Swiss international has represented his nation at the FIFA World Cup and does add a certain degree of defensive solidity. He is a decent passer of the ball who tends to read play well. Despite his lack of a creative approach to the game, he does the nitty-gritty things well, which is what motivated the Gunners to sign him in the first place. Although he tends to make some individual lapses in concentration, he’s more than capable of securing a leaky defence – provided that the defenders behind him know what they’re doing.
Let’s find out which of these three clubs Xhaka would be best suited for at this moment.
AC Milan
The Italian giants have been in the market for talented and cut-price players for the longest time now, and the addition of a strong passer of the ball in the middle of the peak could unlock the potential within that side. Despite already boasting dependable names like Biglia and Kessie in the middle of the park, Xhaka’s acquisition would be a coup indeed.
Inter
Antonio Conte’s stable defensive setup could mean that a move to Inter Milan would be in the Swiss international’s best interest. The Italian tactician loves his central midfielders and tends to use them for a variety of tasks across the pitch. Xhaka’s experience of playing in the relentless nature of the Premier League will surely give him a head start as well.
Newcastle United
Although this move makes a lot of sense for the Swiss midfielder on paper, the presence of players like Sean Longstaff, Issac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey will mean that Xhaka’s time in the limelight will be limited. Also, we’ve seen over the years that he tends to be slightly volatile in pressure situations – something that could come to deter his career at a smaller Premier League club.
However, despite all the hurdles, a move to Newcastle United looks the most feasible for the Swiss international at this point.
