Arsenal are close to securing the arrival of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Mönchengladbach
as their first major signing of the summer, with the Switzerland
international having travelled to London to undertake a medical.
The German club’s position has been rather undermined by the fact a
£23m release clause in Xhaka’s current contract would have become active
next year.
The 23-year-old, who made his name at FC Basel before moving to
Germany four years ago, had indicated a desire to move to England with
Arsenal looking to bolster their central midfield ranks with both Mikel Arteta
and Mathieu Flamini to be released when their contracts expire at the
Emirates Stadium this summer. The Swiss will undergo his medical at
London Colney and finalise personal terms, with an announcement
anticipated next week.
Xhaka had indicated he wanted his future clarified before the
European Championship finals and was granted a standing ovation by
Borussia’s supporters in his final appearance for the club, a 2-0
victory at Darmstadt which secured a fourth-placed finish, last week.
The midfielder has been capped 40 times and will play against his
parents’ homeland, Albania, in the opening group game. His older
brother, Taulant Xhaka, will represent Albania.
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