Mikel Arteta gets £40m transfer chance to secure dream Granit Xhaka replacement at Arsenal
Arsenal may need to find a suitable replacement for Granit Xhaka if the midfielder departs the club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Reports suggest that Xhaka is in advanced talks for a move to Bayer Leverkusen in a £13 million deal, signaling a potential farewell after spending seven years at Emirates Stadium. Despite his impending departure, Xhaka's importance to Mikel Arteta's team this season cannot be understated. He has contributed significantly with nine goals and seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions, proving himself as a crucial player for Arsenal both defensively and in front of goal.
Given Xhaka's significance to Arteta's tactical setup, it becomes imperative for Arsenal to identify and acquire a seamless replacement during the summer. Potential targets for the holding midfield role include Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, while Mason Mount and Mohamed Kudus have been linked as advanced options. However, Mount's services are also being sought after by Liverpool and Manchester United, making the competition for his signature fierce.
Interestingly, Arsenal has reportedly turned their attention to James Maddison as a potential replacement for Xhaka. The Gunners will face competition from Tottenham and Newcastle in the pursuit of the Leicester City midfielder. The allure of Champions League football at Emirates Stadium and St James' Park could give both clubs an advantage over Spurs. Maddison could be available for a fee around £40 million, with Leicester's valuation potentially impacted by their recent relegation to the Championship.
While Maddison's departure from Leicester seems likely, a bidding war between Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle could increase his price. Despite his defensive work rate being considered inferior to his creative abilities, Maddison possesses the qualities to be an ideal replacement for Xhaka. He could potentially form an exciting midfield trio alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice if Arsenal successfully secure their primary target.
Rice's ability to cover ground quickly would provide Maddison and Odegaard with more freedom to influence the attacking third. Currently, Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira are options in the holding midfield position at Arsenal, but their injury concerns and inconsistent form have highlighted the need to prioritize the acquisition of a top-class replacement for Xhaka.
In summary, Arsenal faces the prospect of bidding farewell to Granit Xhaka and must therefore identify a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window. James Maddison has emerged as a potential target, with competition from Tottenham and Newcastle. The Gunners aim to strengthen their midfield depth and secure a player who can seamlessly fill the void left by Xhaka's departure, possibly forming an exciting midfield partnership alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice
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