adminLONDON. — Arsenal are close to completing their first transfer of the summer, as Granit Xhaka flew in to London yesterday for a medical at London Colney and to agree personal terms on his move.
The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder (23) was expected to seal a move to the Emirates late yesterday.
A club source yesterday afternoon confirmed a deal “is imminent”.
Arsenal see Xhaka as the man to shore up their paper-thin midfield.
Arsene Wenger has made the Swiss international midfielder his immediate priority for this summer, and Arsenal have been locked in negotiations with Borussia Monchengladbach all week.
The German club had wanted £30million for Xhaka, and while Arsenal’s initial offer was just £20m, there was a breakthrough in negotiations overnight.
Wenger was trying to secure No.1 transfer target Xhaka on the cheap.
While the midfielder’s German club, Borussia Monchengladbach, value him at £35million, Arsenal are believed to have offered just £20m.
The Bundesliga side’s sporting director, Max Ebert, confirmed: “There is an offer. But it does not mean that we will allow Granit a transfer for that price.
“We really don’t need to discuss the fee proposed in the offer.” — The Mirror.
Online Reporter