Arsenal Transfer News: Granit Xhaka Bid Reports Denied, Latest Gunners Rumours

Borussia Monchengladbach have denied rumours Arsenal have made an offer for star midfielder Granit Xhaka, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly close to signing a new one-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners have been linked with Xhaka on an almost daily basis for weeks, but Monchengladbach maintain the two clubs have yet to engage in a dialogue regarding the Switzerland international.

Sporting director Max Eberl was asked about potential negotiations during a recent press conference, and his answer was simple, via Monchengladbach's official Twitter account:

Per Goal.com's Tom Maston, he also laughed off the idea Xhaka could be available on the cheap, saying: "They need not even send the fax with a €30 million offer for Granit Xhaka.”

MailOnline's David Kent previously said the two clubs had opened talks, with Arsenal looking to complete a move for a fee significantly lower than Monchengladbach's £35 million asking price.

Xhaka has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's top young midfielders in the last two seasons, acting as Monchengladbach's main force in the engine room. The dynamic midfielder is a remarkably versatile player who does his best work in a holding role, making tackles and setting up attacks with crisp passing.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The 23-year-old is far more than a classic bruiser―he can score, does a fantastic job distributing the ball out wide and has a knack for playing passes over the top or finding gaps in the defence and setting up attackers.

Xhaka has been a well-known prospect for years, and his development at his current club has been exactly as anticipated. A summer move seems likely, although the specifics of his current contract complicate matters.

Per Sport Bild (h/t Sport Witness' Tom Coast), his deal contains a release clause that won't become active until the summer of 2017, but that doesn't mean a move can't happen:

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According to the German magazine, "at least one offer from England will arrive Borussia before the summer", and if it’s a big one, they won’t be able to say no.

Only one club is capable of refusing any amount of money, Bayern Munich, meaning if €40m were to slapped down on Borussia’s desk, it would be hard for them to refuse.

Granit Xhaka was "the absolute boss" on the pitch in their 5-0 win over third place rivals Hertha BSC at the weekend, and Gladbach, with Champions League football at the end of the season, would have more chance to keep hold of their captain.

SportBild also state Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City scouts were present at the game, and were "amazed" by the Swiss’ performance.

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UEFA Champions League football could play a major part in Xhaka's decision, and the added funds―or lack thereof―of that competition will also impact how Monchengladbach approach the summer transfer window.

As of right now, the club are outside of the Bundesliga's Champions League slots, chasing Bayer Leverkusen by three points and Hertha Berlin by four. Arsenal and Manchester City are both likely to qualify for next year's Champions League, while Liverpool may have to win the UEFA Europa League in order to do so.

Of those clubs, Arsenal arguably present the most appealing destination. The Gunners could use another versatile, dynamic midfielder, and unlike City, manager Arsene Wenger could likely guarantee Xhaka a starting position.

PATRIK STOLLARZ/Getty Images

But don't expect Monchengladbach to part with their top star for anything less than a significant fee. If the Gunners want to bring Xhaka into the fold, they will likely have to cough up one of the biggest transfer fees any club will spend this summer.

Meanwhile, Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Daily Star's James Walters) reported Ibrahimovic won't be moving to the Premier League as a free agent after all but will instead sign a one-year extension with current club PSG.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United were reportedly all interested in the Swede, who has never played in the Premier League and will become a free agent at the end of this season unless he signs a new contract.

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