Mikel Arteta has ‘already identified’ Granit Xhaka’s replacement ahead of his Arsenal exit, wouldn’t cost a penny
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has identified Emile Smith Rowe as the suitable candidate to fill Granit Xhaka’s position in the upcoming summer transfer window. Xhaka, a Swiss midfielder who has been linked with a departure from the Emirates Stadium in the past, appears ready to seek a fresh opportunity following his highly productive season with the club since his arrival in 2016.
Xhaka has performed exceptionally well alongside Thomas Partey, assuming a more liberated role on the field.
Despite Arteta’s intention to have Smith Rowe replace Xhaka, recent reports indicate that Bayer Leverkusen is nearing a deal to bring the midfielder back to the Bundesliga, where he had previously played for Borussia Monchengladbach. This potential departure would leave Arsenal in need of further reinforcements in midfield.
Nevertheless, Arteta has already started making plans to address the situation and find suitable alternatives.
Smith Rowe is one of several talented players who have progressed through Arsenal’s academy, but his development has been hindered by injuries and a lack of playing time, causing his progress to stagnate. While he has primarily been utilized in more advanced positions, recent reports suggest that the 22-year-old has been training in a central midfield role.
Arsenal has faced a shortage of depth in the midfield department throughout the season, occasionally relying on Fabio Vieira as a backup option. Oleksandr Zinchenko is also capable of filling in when necessary, but it is acknowledged that Arteta will need to strengthen his midfield options ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Smith Rowe’s familiarity with the team’s environment and playing style certainly works in his favor, as Arteta has previously acknowledged: “He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities. And now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better and win. And he’s going to have to show that to get in the team.”
Arsenal has expressed a strong interest in signing Declan Rice, who is expected to leave West Ham during the upcoming summer transfer window. The English midfielder has aspirations of playing in the Champions League and is attracted to the prospect of joining Arsenal’s talented young squad.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal showed interest in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, but Brighton managed to ward off the advances of the North London club, ultimately leading to Caicedo signing a new contract with his current team. In recent transfer windows, Arteta has made significant investments in acquiring players such as Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, and Martin Odegaard.
The leadership at Emirates Stadium is now prepared to adjust their wage structure in order to ensure Arsenal remains competitive near the top of the Premier League. Furthermore, Arsenal is set to provide Arteta with summer funds to further strengthen the team’s options in the transfer market.
Mikel Arteta has ‘already identified’ Granit Xhaka’s replacement ahead of his Arsenal exit, wouldn’t cost a penny