Arsenal should demand this cash-plus-player deal for exit-linked midfielder

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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is said to be interesting Inter Milan.

RSI Sport (via The Daily Mail) claim the Swiss star has emerged as a potential transfer target for new manager Antonio Conte at San Siro.

Unai Emery needs a few sales this summer to increase his transfer kitty, which has been reported to be as little as £45 million.

Xhaka, who featured for his country against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on Wednesday, divided opinion amongst Arsenal fans in 2018/19.

He was a relative regular under Emery, but arguably failed to be totally consistent.

On his day he is a great player and Arsenal could do with him in the squad.

But if he pushes for a move to the Nerazzurri, then the Gunners should demand that they get Roberto Gagliardini in return.

TBR’s view

Emery has to be shrewd this summer given his paltry budget, so getting big bucks for Xhaka and a replacement at the same time would be ideal.

6-cap Italy international Gagliardini was used sparingly in 2018/19 by Luciano Spalletti.

Much to the frustration of fans, the popular holding midfielder made only 21 appearances in all competitions.

He’d be a good replacement for Xhaka – arguably, his style would really complement the more tenacious Lucas Torreira.

He is tidy in possession and good in the air and he can provide the bite that has been lacking from Xhaka.