Arsenal reportedly swap deal with player Xhaka labelled ‘outstanding’ in 2019

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Arsenal are reportedly looking to strike a swap deal with Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach for Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria – a player that Granit Xhaka raved about just two years ago, as he continues alongside him at international level.

Zakaria, 24, has been in excellent form for Gladbach over the past couple of seasons. Having joined the German side in 2017, he has since gone on to take his performances up a level – especially with Gladbach taking part in the Champions League.

Football website 90Min state that Arsenal have put the feelers out to sign the Swiss midfielder – and have offered Gladbach the chance to re-sign Xhaka in return for Zakaria, along with some cash going in the direction of the German side.

Clearly, he is a player that is on the up and that is exactly what Xhaka said about the powerhouse two years ago – when Zakaria was only 22. He labelled his development as “outstanding” in comments published by German newspaper BILD.

“His development is outstanding. Having Denis in the national team next to me makes me feel better. But he has to stay tuned – now comes a very crucial phase for him,” Xhaka said on Zakaria, who could now replace him at Arsenal.

TBR’s view – Zakaria is a massive improvement on Xhaka

If Arsenal can really pull off a deal that sees them bring in Zakaria for a small amount of cash and Xhaka, then they are securing themselves one of the transfers of the entire window. Zakaria is one of the best midfielders in Bundesliga football.

Combining all the qualities expected of a centre-back, Zakaria is just as technically gifted as Thomas Partey – indeed, he is a more defensive version of the Ghanaian. Compared to Patrick Vieira, a swap deal for Zakaria would be stunning business.