Monday 30 May 2016

Xhaka arrival: 'Dream come true' – Midfielder confirms

The North Londoner’s new midfield signing Granit Xhaka has described his move to the Emirates as a “dream come true.”

The 23-year-old Swiss defender became Arsene Wenger’s first major signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week when he finished a switch from German club Borussia Mochengladbach.

Shortly, it’s believed that Granit Xhaka would have cost the North London club around £30m - making him the third most exclusive signing in Arsenal's history.

The Swiss international who has made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Mochengladbach, declares he is delighted to have completed his move to the Premier League ahead of this summer’s European Championship in France.

Following Switzerland’s friendly defeat to Belgium on Saturday, He said to Sky Sports News HQ reporter Gary Cotterill,

"I feel good, now I'm happy to be a Gunner,”

"It's been a big week for me but now it's official and I'm very happy. Arsenal is a big club. I've seen the pitch, it's unbelievable. It was a dream for me and I'm happy now."

Ex-Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has backed his international team-mate to influence for Wenger's side next season and insists the midfielder is well-suited to English football.

He said, "He's got the ability to play the Arsenal way; he's got this aggressiveness about him that will help him in the Premier League," said Djourou, who went on to compare Xhaka to Italy's legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

"He's a great ball player and a ball winner so I think in the midfield he could help a lot.”

"He's got the ability to play very long balls and precise balls. He reminds me a bit of Pirlo, the way he plays."

Djourou also revealed that Xhaka had asked him about his own personal experience of playing at the Emirates and living in London.  

"He asked me a lot of things about London and the club and I could only say great things about it because I had a good experience there," said Djourou.

"I think the people at the club are just amazing so I think he's going to have a great time."

Not to be forgotten now is that the Arsenal in other news; are believed to have submitted an offer for Duvan Zapata, Napoli striker.


The 21-year-old Spaniard has scored 8 times in 25 appearances this season and currently, he is on a two-year loan at Udinese. The club president confirmed Arsenal’s bid for him and that the Napoli can recall the player early.

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