Arsenal Transfer News: Maxi Romero Interest Revived, Latest Granit Xhaka Rumours

Arsenal will reportedly look to revive a move for 17-year-old Maxi Romero from Velez Sarsfield after a deal was called off last summer.

As reported by John Cross in the Daily Mirror, the teenager had agreed a transfer to the Gunners before a knee injury meant it was cancelled before the 2015-16 campaign. But manager Arsene Wenger is said to be ready to go back in for the youngster, who looks set to have a bright future in the game.

The striker has caught the eye with some promising displays; here is a look at why Arsenal are said to be looking at him for the second consecutive post-season window:

The sharp end of the pitch has certainly been a concern for the Gunners. After a bright start to the season, Theo Walcott tailed off badly, losing form and suffering with injury problems. And Olivier Giroud, although he scored a hat-trick on the final day against Aston Villa, has not shown the consistency required for an elite side.

Nevertheless, as these numbers from Squawka Football illustrate, he’s still the club’s most regular goalscorer:

Romero, obviously, isn’t ready to take on that kind of role himself as of yet, although it’s encouraging to see the club looking to the future.

It’s clear why Arsenal may be keen on him, too. The teenager has brilliant technical ability and a composure in front of goal; last summer, when the club looked poised to sign him, Argentinian football expert Sam Kelly had this to say about the youngster and comparisons with Barcelona man Lionel Messi:

For Romero, it’d be a wonderful opportunity, and one he’d be relieved to get again after suffering an injury last term. That Arsenal are seeking to sign him after a long-term layoff is an indicator of just how highly the club rates him, although you wonder whether it'd be the right time for teenager to make such a crucial move.

Granit Xhaka Move Progressing

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According to Tony Hughes of Football Insider, Granit Xhaka has undergone the first stage of his medical at Arsenal, as his £34 million transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach edges closer.

It’s also stated in the piece that Xhaka has already agreed terms on a five-year deal worth £120,000 a week. Pictures also surfaced of what appear to be Xhaka in the new Arsenal kit and him alongside family members outside the club’s training complex, per Sultan (h/t The Short Fuse):

Xhaka’s move to the Gunners now seems to be almost certain to go through and he’s the kind of acquisition the club’s supporters have been craving for a long time now.

Here is a look at the attributes he will bring in the middle of the park:

With dynamism, defensive awareness and technical flair, the 23-year-old has a very balanced skill set. Xhaka has excelled for BMG since joining from Basel, getting the edge in many midfield battles in the Bundesliga and showing the kind of leadership skills that prompted him to be appointed captain despite his relatively tender years.

Stylistically, he’ll solve a longstanding issue for Wenger with his physicality, with Arsenal’s frailties in the middle of the park exposed over the last few seasons. Now the club’s supporters will be desperate to see this deal done as quickly as possible so they can enjoy watching their new recruit in action for Switzerland at the UEFA European Championships this summer.