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Granit Xhaka Transfer Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Gladbach Star
Arsenal are strongly linked with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka ahead of UEFA Euro 2016 and are expected to announce a deal soon. The Swiss star has also suggested he would be interested in joining the Premier League club.
Continue for updates.
Xhaka Closing In on Arsenal Agreement
Saturday, May 21
David Ornstein of BBC Sport reported on Friday that Arsenal and Xhaka are close, adding an "agreement [has been] reached on [a] £30 million deal." Ornstein also noted Xhaka was "in London to finalise terms" and will have his "medical this weekend." James Benge of the Evening Standard reported on Saturday that "Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of [Xhaka] by Monday evening."
Raphael Honigstein of ESPN FC reported on Thursday, "Official bid has now come in much lower than Gladbach expected after negotiations with third parties." German newspaper Bild (translated by Sport Witness) reported the Gunners offered €25 million.
Honigstein continued: "Wouldn't jump to conclusions. Three possibilities: 1. AFC haggling. 2. Intermediaries creative with figures 3. BMG putting out high numbers."
Xhaka Comments on Potential Arsenal Move
Wednesday, May 18
Xhaka spoke to Swiss channel SRF (via Uche Amako of the Daily Express) and said Arsenal are a team he could "absolutely" imagine himself playing for.
"Whether there are talks or not, the clubs Gladbach and Arsenal know that, but as of now I am still a Gladbach player," Xhaka added. "It might change in the next weeks or it might not change. There will definitely be a decision before the European Championship."
Eberl Casts Doubt on Arsenal Chances
Thursday, May 12
Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl played down reports Arsenal will sign the player in an interview with Kicker, per Patrick Surlis of Sky Sports: "There is no official offer. But Granit Xhaka is an issue. It's clear he has generated interest at other clubs. We have to wait and see what happens."
Xhaka Strongly Linked to Gunners
German newspaper Rheinische Post (h/t Goal's Chris Davie) linked the Gunners with a £33.8 million offer for Xhaka. Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph suggested Arsenal are optimistic about sealing a £30 million deal before offering a "four- or five-year contract."
Honigstein appeared to confirm Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's determination to sign the energetic and tough-tackling midfielder:
But Honigstein also suggested Gladbach are intent on signing a replacement before letting their linchpin in the middle go:
The RP report (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star) named Bayern Munich squad player Sebastian Rode as one of the prime targets Gladbach are considering.
Xhaka has indicated he wants his future resolved before representing Switzerland at Euro 2016 this summer, according to James Benge of the London Evening Standard.
Gladbach are obviously ready to lose their skipper, and the player seems happy to move on. But the fee Eberl and company are reportedly demanding may be putting off the prime suitor.