Arsenal Receive Boost In Pursuit Of Swiss International: An Ideal Replacement For Xhaka?

According to The Sun, Arsenal are in the market for Denis Zakaria. The Gunners have been put on red alert over the situation of the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder whose current contract at the club expires at the end of the season. Zakaria is stalling talks over a new extended deal with the Foals at the moment, thus opening the door for a potential free transfer next summer.

Denis Zakaria’s Success In The Bundesliga

Denis Zakaria had been a part of the Gladbach team since 2017 when he joined the club from Young Boys. He was brought in as a youth prospect, but the midfielder has since gone from strength to strength.

In over four years in the Bundesliga, Zakaria has notched up 136 competitive appearances for the Foals. His aggression, tenacity and tactical versatility have made him a huge success, especially under Marco Rose.

A central midfielder by trade, Zakaria often performs well in big matches. This season, for example, the Swiss international has starred in Gladbach’s win over both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich while his contributions were immense in helping the club reach the knockout stages of the Champions League last season.

With over 100 Bundesliga appearances and 38 caps for the Swiss national team, the 24-year-old offers a lot of experience as well. But at the same time, he can be considered as a future prospect, as he still has time on his side and room to further improve himself as a midfielder.

A Wise Option For Arsenal?

Arsenal’s pursuit of Denis Zakaria is not surprising as the club desperately requires reinforcements in the midfield department. Despite the arrival of Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer, coach Mikel Arteta has lacked reliable options this season, especially after the injury of Granit Xhaka.

Thomas Partey and Lokonga have been the first-choice options in the double-pivot. But both the alternatives in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Elneny face an uncertain future at the club, thus accentuating the need for a new midfielder.

Zakaria fits the bill well due to his experience in the Bundesliga and the pedigree of performing at the highest level of football. He brings tenacity, aggression and intent in the middle of the park while also being tactically adept, having been coached by the likes of Marco Rose and Adi Hutter.

The Swiss international, therefore, could be an ideal option for Arsenal as they look to shore up their options in the midfield third next season. He has a bit of everything and for a potential free transfer, he could prove to be a bargain for the Gunners.