Arsenal: 3 vital Granit Xhaka traits to replace

It’s been brewing for quite some time. All signs pointed towards this being done and dusted in time for the European Championships to start, such was the desire from all sides, only for Arsenal to dig their heels in over their asking price.

Rightly so. With Roma leading the chase and Granit Xhaka making it clear his heart was set on a Jose Mourinho link-up, Arsenal refused to budge on their €20m asking price.

That is already a bargain fee, one re-shaped by the state of the market, so for the Serie A side to haggle down from that regardless of their current predicament has been laughed off.

Even with the game of chicken from either side, Xhaka’s days at Arsenal are over. They always were going to be. Work is underway to source his replacement, whatever profile that may be, and Arsenal can step up their recruitment with the anticipation of their first permanent sale of the summer.

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Arsenal: 3 vital Granit Xhaka traits in need of replacing as midfielder closes in on Roma move in summer transfer window

As reported by Angelo Mangiante of Sky Italia, the deal is almost complete and the Swiss captain will join up with his new teammates for their pre-season training camp in Portugal next week. Football.london add that Roma have caved in to the Gunners’ demands and will meet the £17m+ valuation.

We can soon all get on with our lives.

It can be said with next to no disagreement that whoever comes in to fill Xhaka’s boots will define the window. Naturally, sales are essential and trimming down the rather bloated squad has its own importance, but finding Thomas Partey the partner to re-imagine this Arsenal side is make or break.

That person could come in different forms. It could be an Yves Bissouma master-of-tackles and breaker-of-chains type, or the Ruben Neves tempo setting variety who eyes progression over disruption.

Xhaka’s direct replacement may need to be something specific, but his role within the squad has to be covered too. There are three key traits of Xhaka’s that need refilling, in one way or another.

Continued…