Per Mertesacker has moved to talk up Arsenal’s capture of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer.
The defender is reported to be in line to be announced as captain for the upcoming season, despite being in-and-out of the first-team in the previous campaign, sharing the role alongside Laurent Koscielny with Gabriel Paulista.
Mertesacker has now moved to praise the leadership skills of new signing Granit Xhaka, who expected to rival Francis Coquelin for the holding role within the base of the midfield.
“I don’t know him personally but that doesn’t matter, we will get along with each other very quickly because he is a good player and has done so much for Borussia Monchengladbach,” Mertesacker said.
“He can speak German as well, so it will be joy to get his first year going and help him bed in as a player.
“He’s a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield. He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.
“He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games. He will be the perfect signing for us.”
Xhaka showed off his great passing skills for Switzerland during the European Championships, and having captained his former club side, could bring some much needed leadership to our relatively young side.
David Seaman recently called for a Patrick Vieira type signing, but could Xhaka prove to be of a similar mould? Maybe Xhaka could be a future Gunners captain, and do a job we have been lacking for some time…