Liverpool are set to be scuppered in our pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Sky Sports Germany, quoted by their English colleagues, reckon that Arsenal are closing on a deal for the Swiss 23-year-old who’s established a reputation as one of the best holding midfielders in the Bundesliga.
According to the report negotiations over a €43m deal are at an advanced stage, which is disappointing as Xhaka appears just the kind of central midfielder we could do with at Liverpool.
He’s powerful and technically capable in equal measure, and a real leader in the middle of the park for club and country.
Arsenal similarly need midfield enforcements, with Gunners supporters crying out for Arsene Wenger to spend big money on an automatic starter in that position. Now, it seems they may have their wish, although many fans simply want the veteran Frenchman to step aside and allow another a crack at the manager’s job.
Liverpool will have to turn our attentions elsewhere. We’re already bringing in Marko Grujic, but with central midfield potentially the weakest area of our side, Jurgen Klopp could look to bring in another with James Milner being used wide, Jordan Henderson out of form and doubts around the long-term suitability of Joe Allen and Lucas.
Emre Can will be part of the side for the foreseeable, but he needs an established, top-class team-mate alongside.