Arsenal: 12 Granit Xhaka transfer replacements

James Ward-Prowse – Southampton

A left-field, yet interesting option.

The natural reaction is that if Arsenal are to aim high and look at the upper echelons of the Premier League table, they need to be aiming for more than James Ward-Prowse.

Suitability wise, he is a right footer who needs to be on that side of the pitch but for a team horribly lacking in set piece delivery and eye-of-the-needle distribution from deep, the England international has all that in his locker.

There are few more accomplished passers in Europe, let alone the Premier League, than the 25-year-old. His dead ball delivery – which includes from corners! – is second to none (99th percentile). A workhorse in midfield, he has just completed a staggering new English top-flight record of completing every minute of every fixture for the second season running. It can not be understated just how unbelievable this is.

If Arsenal want to add goals he brings that to the part(e)y, too. His xG and xA are supported strongly by his set pieces but his shooting overall is incredibly accurate with a 44.8% on target percentage (94th percentile). With Willian likely to leave and David Luiz gone, Arsenal will need a free-kick specialist! Ha….ha….

An interesting option, indeed. Ward-Prowse’s overall game is unfairly overlooked, and he would add what Arsenal lack, yet he isn’t the technically astute midfielder that Arteta will be looking for. Still, hugely underrated and could work as a right-sided No. 8 in a 4-3-3.