Granit Xhaka’s speculated transfer to Arsenal has long been in the headlines, with Albanian journalist Artan Muhaxhiri writing on Thursday that the Swiss midfielder was headed for London to complete his move.
Fans are still waiting on an official confirmation, but the Gunners appear to have been beaten to punch by several sources on Twitter, as pictures of the Borussia Monchengladbach captain in a new Arsenal jersey have been doing the rounds on social media.
DONE DEAL: Arsenal have completed the signing Granit Xhaka from Monchengladbach for £30m. pic.twitter.com/Lqb9sUtJ9x
— Transfer Related (@TransferRelated) May 21, 2016
Where it all started. Arsene's iconic smile when he was asked about Xhaka. #WelcomeXhaka https://t.co/joCtPm2QvI
— Wilshoholic (@Wilshoholic) May 21, 2016
It's done. Welcome to #Arsenal Granit Xhaka pic.twitter.com/o4Ih5WUWrc
— ArsenalFanTV (@ArsenalFanTV) May 21, 2016
Xhaka in his new kit pic.twitter.com/lGP5lP5YX7
— Mr DT © (@DeejayDt) May 21, 2016
It remains unknown whether these pictures are the work of a top-notch photoshopper or whether they are legit, but it will undoubtedly add fuel to the fire that are the rumors linking the 23-year-old with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Xhaka, a robust, physical presence on the pitch who has won over the critics in Germany, will be welcomed signing in north London, especially given that Arsene Wenger’s boys are depleted in the middle of the park having waved farewell to Thomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, and Mathieu Flamini.
David Ornstein of BBC Sport reported on Friday that Arsenal have already reached an agreement with the Swiss international in a deal reportedly worth £30m, with a medical scheduled to go down this weekend.
The Telegraph, on the other hand, claim that the Xhaka deal will initially be worth £25m, but could potentially rise, with the player set to be handed a five-year deal which will see him earn £120,000 per week.
