Granit Xhaka has apparently been on the verge of an Arsenal exit for the past ten years – and he has only been at the club since 2016.
Most of us expected his time to end last season when he reacted angrily to a change by swearing at his own fans. However, we should have known not to underestimate Xhaka’s incredible resilience. Fast forward to the present and he is generally considered to be an important part of Mikel Arteta’s ambition, midboard side.
? | #OnThisDay in 2019 …
Granit Xhaka was bowed to the field by Arsenal fans and stripped of the club captain for his reaction! © ❌ pic.twitter.com/6cilrqmDTC
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2020
However, that does not mean that he is a dead CAC to hold on to this summer. According to Sky Germany, the midfielder is looking for a Bundesliga return, and for the right price, the Gunners would probably replace him for a younger model.
If he moves to Germany, here are five clubs that can be convinced to sign him …
Hertha is the Bundesliga’s most notorious underachievers Boris Streubel / Getty Images
Hertha Berlin’s ownership dream of taking the club to Europe and they have invested a lot lately.
However, this injection of talent has done little to deter their reputation as one of Europe’s biggest underachievers, and they are currently in a relegation battle.
Does this mean they will stop spending? Obviously not.
Hertha were interested in Xhaka last summer and would be keen on him again, especially as they will lose Matteo Guendouzi when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.
Gladbach could poke some key player during the summer Pool / Getty Images
Borussia Monchengladbach is where Granit Xhaka made his name and made 140 appearances for Die Fohlen between 2012 and 2016.
Things have changed a lot for both parties since then, but a beautiful reunion in the summer is not so unlikely.
Gladbach’s latest success has already seen the inspiring coach Marco Rose poached by Borussia Dortmund and he can be followed out the door by highly ranked midfielder Dennis Zakaria during the summer.
This is where Xhaka can fit in.
Who knows who will be at BVB next season | Lars Baron / Getty Images
Borussia Dortmund need a rebuild, so much is clear.
For all their exciting talents, there are many players who have overwhelmed themselves for too long.
What can help their young statistics to flourish is the introduction of Xhaka. For all his faults, the midfielder has experience of winning things – something that most of the squad does not.
Xhaka can put a little bit on Leverkusen’s midfield | Boris Streubel / Getty Images
After a windy start, Bayer Leverkusen’s latest form has been pathetic, with Peter Bosz paying with his job earlier this month.
The Bundesliga’s perennial almost men may soon be short on midfielders. Both Charles Aranguiz and Julian Baumgartlinger will not be younger, while Florian Wirtz will surely be sold soon enough.
Xhaka was able to put together a midfield-shaped hole effectively in the summer. An added bonus is that he has plenty of Europa League experience, a competition that Leverkusen seems to be meant to play in its entirety.
Respect us. https://t.co/TomcOCQKco
– FC Augsburg (@FCA_World) 6 December 2020
This is not very likely … but would it not be great to see the tiring “social media playful” merchants who sent this tweet have to go back like a bunch of clowns?
