Arsenal set to ruin Tottenham January transfer plans with Granit Xhaka swap offer
MIkel Arteta previews AFC Wimbledon clash
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Arsenal look set to ruin Tottenham’s January transfer window plans by proposing a swap deal offer involving Granit Xhaka to Juventus. This is the second time this season that Xhaka has been linked with a move to Serie A.
The Swiss midfielder came close to departing the Emirates Stadium in the summer window, but AS Roma could not agree a fee with the Gunners.
When that move broke down, Xhaka decided to sign a new contract with Arsenal, extending his stay in the capital until 2024.
But despite starting the campaign as Mikel Arteta’s captain, Xhaka’s season quickly took a turn for the worse.
He was sent off after 35 minutes of the trip to Manchester City for a rash challenge, with the Gunners hammered 5-0 by Pep Guardiola’s men.
Xhaka was roundly criticised for his judgement in making the tackle and it appears that his stay at Arsenal could be cut short.
JUST IN: Arsenal ’preparing Lacazette swap deal’ to solve Mikel Arteta problem
That is because Xhaka is continuing to attract interest from Italy, with Juventus now reportedly joining the race to sign him.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has made signing a new midfielder his priority in the winter window.
It comes after a horrendous start to the campaign for the Old Lady, who find themselves winless and in the Serie A relegation zone.
One of their biggest problems has been finding a balance in midfield, with attacking minded Aaron Ramsey forced to play as a defensive midfielder at times.
DON’T MISS:
Juventus outline Pogba transfer stance after Raiola’s Man Utd comments (TRANSFERS)
Arsenal slap price tag on Bukayo Saka as Juventus and Atletico circle (NEWS)
Four clubs Alexandre Lacazette could join next summer in contract feud (ANALYSIS)
The report states that Allegri is eyeing a move for Xhaka in a bid to solve those problems and could offer a player in part-exchange to sweeten the deal.
They claim that the player who Allegri is willing to part with is attacking midfielder Weston McKennie.
The American has featured in three of Juve’s games so far, but was left on the bench against AC Milan on Sunday.
Calciomercato state that McKennie will be offered in exchange for Xhaka as he would not be “appreciated” by Allegri.
Follow our new Daily Express Sport Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/
The news is a hammer blow to Tottenham, who had been lining up their own move for McKennie in the January window.
The Independent reported in August that Spurs had spoken to Juventus about McKennie’s situation, with the midfielder available for £40million.
Tottenham have also made signing a midfielder a priority, with McKennie emerging as their top target.
They had hoped to use sporting director Fabio Paratici’s relationship with his former club to complete the deal, but those plans appear to have been ruined by the Gunners.
Source: Read Full Article