Reports: Arsenal interested in signing Swiss international Granit Xhaka
With the defensive midfielder role proving to be a problem for Arsenal, reports from Germany have linked talented Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka with the Gunners. Arteta and Flamini have not been the answers to Arsenal’s problems and with Coquelin and Elneny yet to convince Arsene Wenger completely, Xhaka might just be the signing Arsenal needs.
Although just 23, Xhaka has already made more than a 100 appearances for Bundesliga side Mönchengladbach and is one of their key players. He is also expected to play an integral role for the Swiss national side in the upcoming Euros.
According to Sky in Germany, The 23-year-old's father has reportedly met with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is believed to be ready to pay a fee of around €43m for his services. The midfielder has a contract till 2019 with Mönchengladbach, but the lure of playing in the Premier League and the Champions League might be a bit too much to resist for the Swiss international.
Xhaka is seen as a long-term signing by Arsene Wenger and the Swiss midfielder’s positioning and tactical awareness might add a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield next season.
Arsene Wenger hurt by lack of faith shown by Arsenal supporters
Arsene Wenger admitted he felt hurt by the lack of faith shown by Arsenal fans during their recent run of poor form. A last gasp 2-1 victory over Leicester City had made Arsenal favourites in many people’s eyes to win the Premier League but defeats to Manchester United, Swansea and a draw to bitter rivals Tottenham has pushed Arsenal behind in the race for the title.
Coupled with a Champions League loss against Barcelona and a surprising FA Cup elimination against Watford, Arsenal do not seem to have a chance to win a trophy this year.All this has led to disgruntled fans calling for their long serving manager Arsene Wenger to be replaced.
"What hurts me is that at the important moment of the season we played in a sceptical environment," Wenger said after Arsenal got back on track with a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton just before the international break.
"After the Tottenham game where we played a very good game, played with 10 men against 11 and came back to 2-2, I couldn't understand why - at the moment when you need everyone behind the team - we had to hit that storm.
"From the media, okay. From our fans? It is a bit more difficult to take.
"But we have to get the fans behind us with our attitude, and make sure that they stand behind the team until the end of the season."