According to a recent report by the Sunday Times, Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United side are said to be readying up a move for Arsenal’s want-away Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka. It has been suggested in the report that the 27-year-old will request a transfer away from Arsenal in January, having recently had his captaincy stripped for some questionable behaviour on the pitch.
What Is Granit Xhaka’s Situation At Arsenal?
Granit Xhaka arrived at the Emirates with massive expectations on his shoulders, as they were in the search for a combative midfielder who wasn’t afraid to put himself about. He arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2016 but has never really managed to win over the Gunners faithful. The saddest thing is that it’s been three years, and they’ve yet to solve their midfield issues.
Although Xhaka was undoubtedly part of the problem, he wasn’t the Gunners’ worst midfield option over the years. But with the altercation with the fans now resulting in his captaincy being stripped, it does begin to look like the Swiss international has played his last game in an Arsenal shirt. Unai Emery could be forced to sell him in January, to avoid paying unnecessary wages to a player, who is clearly a liability.
What Attributes Do Granit Xhaka Add To A Team?
Now 27, the Swiss midfielder has a lot of experience playing at the highest level, having represented Switzerland in 78 matches already. Even at Arsenal, the playmaker has lined up for the Gunners in multiple key games, including finals of local and European tournaments. He can be a good personality to have around the squad, as he can add a sense of security when played in front of a solid back-line.
He is a decent passer of the ball and has been in the Premier League for three years now. He’s up to date with the way the game is played in this country, making him an ideal candidate for a Premier League club. He is fearless going into tackles and often glides past players with some courageous take-ons as well. He would be a solid addition to any team in search of some added rigidity in the middle of the park.
Would Newcastle Benefit By Signing Granit Xhaka?
The resurgence of players like the Longstaff brothers and Issac Hayden has given Steve Bruce a little bit of breathing room in terms of squad depth, but all of these players have been quite injury prone.
Although the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-Yueng are available for selection as well, it would be smart to acquire a more high-profile option, and Granit Xhaka would fit the Magpies’ bill perfectly. However, the million-pound question would be whether Granit Xhaka would be ready to take this step when he can clearly carve out a lucrative career in the Bundesliga or the La Liga?
