Granit Xhaka has been confirmed as joining this week, but who could be next through the door?
Another midfielder could follow the Swiss midfielder to North-London, with Celtic’s Tom Rogic linked. The Australian international enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough year with the Scottish champions, scoring 10 goals from midfield. We are supposedly ‘confident‘ in in his signature, which could boost our reputation in his home-country.
We are also strongly linked with another 23 year-old in Alvaro Morata. The striker is said to be set for talks with his former club, as they are supposed looking to trigger his buy-back clause, while another source claimed Real Madrid are looking to drag Manchester City or Chelsea into a bidding war with us, to boost his price-tag.
Another player who we are believed to be closing on is Bolton’s Player of the Year Rob Holding. The 20 year-old is supposedly keen on a switch to Arsenal, and we have already had a bid turned down for his signature. Apparently a much-improved bid has been made for his services, and a deal looks likely in the near-future.
This centre-back is more likely to have an influence on the starting XI however, with Kalidou Koulibaly currently playing a first-team role for Serie A giants Napoli. I have to remain sceptical of signing a defender from a team which is predominantly known for their attacking style of play, but he has helped his side to 12 clean sheets in his 33 Serie A outings this term. That is more than I would have expected from the attacking side.
One story that is circulating today involves one Hector Bellerin. Dani Alves is claimed to be a target for Juventus this summer, and Barcelona are claimed to want our defensive star to replace him. HB has continually rubbished any claims of an exit, but could he be swayed by a potential first-team role in the city of his birth?
I’m praying the latter is rubbished in quick style, although reports that claim Hector is on only £10,000 per week is worrying! I’m struggling to find any news reports claiming any different however, and am hoping reports emerge about him signing a new long-term deal in the coming days. I would understand if he wanted more recognition when it comes to the Spanish national side, which highlights the need to tie him down to a new deal, and pay him a wage more deserved for his role in the side.
Pat J