Granit Xhaka is prepared to sign for Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in a move worth Sh5.1 billion (£35million).
LONDON, United Kingdom, May 20 – Arsenal are set to make their first signing of the summer as Arsene Wenger prepares to land Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Switzerland midfielder arrived in London for a medical on Thursday night and is ready to complete a move to the Gunners for a fee in the region of Sh5.1 billion (£35million).
Although Xhaka is set to undergo a medical at the north London club, Sportsmail understands that talks over a fee between the clubs are still ongoing, with the 23-year-old’s wages also still under discussion.
The Swiss international is one of Europe’s most talented prospects and has previously admitted a move to the Premier League would be a dream.
“The Premier League is not my goal, but a childhood dream. It is a dream that could be fulfilled,” Xhaka said.
“As of now, I am still a Gladbach player, that might change in the next weeks, or it might not.”
Wenger’s team failed to make one out-field signing last summer as they ended the Premier League campaign as runners-up to Leicester City, but the Gunners have acted quickly in the transfer window before Euro 2016 as they prepare to launch a title assault ahead of the new season.
If Xhaka does sign for £35m, it would make the midfielder the club’s second most expensive signing following the £42.5m capture of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in 2013.
Ozil started slowly at the Emirates Stadium but has since flourished into a crucial player for the Gunners and on Friday was named as the club’s official player of the season.
Wenger also wants the Xhaka deal to be completed before Euro 2016 as he is aware rival clubs could hijack his move, particularly if the Switzerland midfielder impresses in France.
Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante has also been linked with a move to the Emirates following his impressive debut season in the Premier League.
But it appears Arsenal have decided to go with Xhaka despite his lack of experience in English football.
Despite Monchengladbach qualifying for next season’s Champions League, the club’s sporting director Max Eberl has previously admitted they will struggle to keep hold of Xhaka.
‘There are clubs who can offer an even bigger chance of playing Champions League and competing for titles and trophies,’ he told Germany paper Kicker.
