Arsenal round-up: First summer signing reportedly complete; Juventus star on the radar

Arsene Wenger needed to start quickly this summer in recruiting and improving his current crop this summer with fans becoming restless and the Euros round the corner.  So it seems he has, according to BBC Sport, a deal has been agreed to sign Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for £30 million.

It’s currently the worst kept secret of the transfer window with Arsenal yet to announce the signing. However, pictures of Xhaka posing for photos in the new Arsenal kit were released over social media this past weekend.  A fee, personal terms and the medical seem to have been completed, so it’s a matter of time before Arsenal’s new number 34 is an official new recruit in North London.

Hailed as a ‘young Schweinsteiger’, the tough tackling, ball playing defensive midfielder is just what Arsenal need, especially with three midfielders out the door this summer in Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini. At 22-years-old he has potential to grow but brings experience already.  Named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season in back-to-back campaigns and an Under 17 World Cup winner with Switzerland, he could be the midfield general Arsenal have longed for.

Arsenal are also monitoring the situation of Alvaro Morata, say AS Sport. The Spaniard hasn’t been a starter at Juventus with the partnership of Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala emerging. His agent was in Madrid to discuss this week whether Real were interested in activating their buy-back clause.  If they do, it is thought they will sell on the Spaniard to the highest bidder, with Arsenal at the top end of the cue.

For around €50 million (around £38million), Morata could be the key to Arsenal’s yearly forward problems.  He may only have 15 goals in 63 games in Turin but he’s a big game player as shown with his winner in this weekend’s Coppa Italia final win.  He’ll most likely lead the Spanish line this summer, could he be leading Arsenal’s soon as well?

Completing their search for an updated spine is Bayern Munich’s Mehdi Benatia, who the International Business Times suggest is a key target. The Moroccan international has had an injury hit time in Germany. Making just 24 appearances in two years at the club shows his struggles but he is still a centre half with qualities to add to Arsenal.

He is experienced, strong and a leader which is needed in Arsenal’s backline. Bayern bought Benatia for €26 million so wouldn’t want to make a loss on him, however Arsenal have enough funds to afford him and it would seem to be worth the money, his injury record of recent years aside.

As for exits, Theo Walcott is one who may be leaving this summer after a frustrating season which has seen him miss the cut for the England squad for France. According to The Telegraph, he is willing to discuss his future but sides like West Ham and Leicester are said to be interested in his services. 

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