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      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka wanted by Juventus as they look to hijack Roma transfer and could hike up midfielder’s price

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      ITALIAN giants Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports.The Switzerland captain has been linked with Juve’s Serie A rivals Roma, who will be coached by ex-Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho next term.
      Granit Xhaka, 28, has led Switzerland to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020Credit: The Mega Agency
      According to CalcioMercato, Juventus are admirers of Xhaka and may make a move for the Arsenal star if they fail to sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo.
      The 28-year-old has impressed for the Swiss at Euro 2020, picking up the Star of the Match award for his performance in his country’s famous win against France.
      Xhaka has reportedly agreed terms with Roma ahead of a potential move but the Italian side are struggling to meet the Gunners’ asking price.
      Mourinho’s new club are understood to have offered €12million plus €3m in add-ons for the player – around £13m in total.
      But Arsenal are believed to have rejected Roma’s advances and want at least €20m in cash – around £17m – and the price could increase following Xhaka’s European exploits and Juve’s reported interest.
      The Premier League side paid a reported £30m for Xhaka five years ago.
      Rumours suggest the midfielder won’t wait for Roma to meet Arsenal’s valuation, giving Juventus the chance to make a move.

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      Xhaka dropped a huge hint over his future following Switzerland’s stunning win against France.
      When asked by the press if he will be answering questions in Italian, the Arsenal star said: “Not yet… It is always interesting to learn a new language.
      “Let’s see, everyone knows what Roma represent. Now I am an Arsenal player, I will speak after the tournament.”
      Xhaka has split opinion among Arsenal fans during his five-year spell at the Emirates, with many unconvinced of his quality.
      The former Borussia Monchengladbach star has made 161 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, winning two FA Cups.
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      Arsenal eye transfer swoop for Sassuolo right-back Mert Muldur as Mikel Arteta prepares for Hector Bellerin exit

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      ARSENAL have identified Sassuolo ace Mert Muldur as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin.That is according to The Athletic, who claim Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been keeping a close watch on Muldur following an impressive Serie A campaign.
      Sassuolo star Mert Muldur has been targeted by ArsenalCredit: Rex
      The north Londoners are likely to lose Bellerin in the summer as the right-back is looking for a new challenge.
      The Spain international has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, who are looking for someone to fill in for Paris Saint Germain-bound Achraf Hakimi.
      Therefore, if the 26-year-old puts an end to his eight-year stint at the Emirates then Arsenal will need a replacement.
      And Muldur appears to be among Arteta’s top choices to reinforce his full-back options.

      The 22-year-old defender stood out in an impressive season that saw Sassuolo finishing eighth in the Serie A table.
      The Turkey international amassed one assist in 29 appearances across all competitions for the Italian side.
      Muldur has proven to be quite versatile as he can also operate as a right midfielder and a centre-back.
      He can also play at left-back, as proven from his performances at Euro 2020, which means he could also feature as a back-up option to Kieran Tierney.

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      Arsenal are looking to make some key signings during the summer transfer window following a hapless season that saw them missing out on Europe for the first time in 25 years.
      However, Arteta understands that he will have to sell some players first in order to raise funds.
      Bellerin appears to be on that transfer list along with the likes of Bernd Leno, Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Hector Bellerin shows off his skills at Arsenal training More

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      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is a very good footballer but three weaknesses have stopped him from being great

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      GRANIT XHAKA leaving Arsenal and then performing as he did against France is a touch ironic. No fan likes a player to be disrespectful to the club paying their wages – and the Switzerland midfielder seemingly trying to engineer a move from Arsenal to Roma risks tarnishing his legacy. 
      Granit Xhaka hopes to seal a much reported move from Arsenal to RomaCredit: The Mega Agency
      The Switzerland captain’s relationship with Arsenal fans has been a mix of highs and lowsCredit: Getty
      However, many reading this may well ask the question ‘what legacy?’ And this tells its own story.
      After five years in North London the fact that the Swiss skipper still divides Arsenal supporters is a testament, in my opinion, that he was never quite good enough.
      If you are a top player for a club there would never be such a stark division – but those who do not see his qualities at all are being highly unfair.
      Xhaka has exceptional quality in many aspects, most notably his passing range and accuracy, his work rate, and his willingness to play for the team, wherever and however he is asked to play. 
      This past season he has covered for Tierney when he advanced and even played at left-back in the Scotland international’s absence. 
      And when he is not in our midfield, we have missed his continuity and metronomic passing, but still many will not be crying at his departure.
      It is fair to ask if this sentiment is a lack of respect or a desire to see Arsenal competing at the top once more. 
      And also whether Thomas Partey needs a different type of partner to make this possible. 

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      Arsenal fans have had issues with Xhaka’s mobility in midfieldCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      In five seasons, Xhaka has helped his team lift two FA Cups, but his tenure – as many will swiftly point out – has coincided with the club ceasing their long-running association with Champions League football.
      In truth, I think the fallout when he was captain under Emery, was all linked to his position on the pitch and this was perhaps the issue when Wenger brought him to the club. 
      The suggestion was that he was the heir apparent to Gilberto Silva, but then it became fast obvious he was not. 
      It was when Emery expected him to play as a defensive midfielder, when he had bought Lucas Torreira for the role, that the fans turned.
      And this souring between supporters and Xhaka led to his infamous storming off the pitch against Crystal Palace. 
      To be a top player in the defensive midfield role in a division with the pace of the Premier League, you need to possess high-level mobility and speed to complement your reading of the game.  
      Xkaka is a very good footballer, but he is not a great footballer and the difference in this instance is in my view down to three factors. 
      Firstly, his lack of mobility and pace across the ground to recover. 
      Xhaka has enjoyed an impressive run in the Euros after criticism at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Secondly, his inability to concentrate for a whole match, as lapses in that key position have too often caused the Gunners to be overrun. 
      Lastly, the game picture in the head, which allows the great players to see the pass early and play it quickly. 
      Xhaka too often slows Arsenal in transition and while he has the passing vision, without doubt, he does not pass quickly or early often enough.
      Italy’s Serie A may well offer the Switzerland captain a slightly slower pace and it may well suit his ‘deep-lying playmaker’ attributes. 
      And the wantaway Emirates ace may get to play in a midfield three, something he has done for his national team quite often, but rarely for the Gunners.

      However, at present Switzerland are playing a 3-4-3 which also offers greater protection against his frailties. 
      Personally, I have enjoyed watching the best of Xhaka at Arsenal and cringed at his worst moments.
      He has still been one of our most consistent performers in an era of inconsistency under three different managers. 
      At this point, I hope we will have a mutually agreeable and respectful parting of ways – particularly if Roma are prepared to stump up a fee that reflects Xhaka’s age and ability. 
      Arteta has invested in Thomas Partey to be the new midfield lynchpin and he feels he needs a more agile and defensive partner for us to see the best of the Ghanaian. 
      Arsenal will be looking for a new midfield partner for star signing Thomas ParteyCredit: Rex
      In short, Xhaka wants a fresh start and that suits Arsenal and the direction the current regime wishes to take the team.
      I hope now the player keeps quiet and allows the transfer to progress in a manner that suits his current employers, and not in a manner that suits only him and his suitors. 
      That way for those of us who have valued his contribution, he can be remembered fondly. 
      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka says everyone who is from Switzerland can be very proud of victory over France More

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      Five players Arsenal should never have let go including Serge Gnabry and Donyell Malen

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      EURO 2020 continues to remind Arsenal fans what could have been as former players shine on the big stage. Holland may have crashed out of the tournament, but the future looks bright with forward Donyell Malen.
      Donyell Malen has been impressive for Holland during the EurosCredit: AFP
      The 22-year-old, who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven, has put himself in the shop window after a string of hugely impressive performances.
      And Gunners fans certainly won’t need reminding of the decision to let Serge Gnabry go.
      Despite a short spell at the club, he became an instant fan favourite after scoring four times against rivals Tottenham in the Champions League.
      Here, SunSport runs the rule over five ex-Arsenal players the club should never have let go.
      Serge Gnabry
      Not many Arsenal staff and supporters could have predicted Gnabry’s rise to the top.
      Signed in a £100,000 deal from Stuttgart in 2011, Gnabry only featured 18 times for the club before a loan stint with West Brom under Tony Pulis.
      But he made just three appearances at the Baggies before Werder Bremen signed him permanently for £5million.
      He would join Bayern Munich in 2018 before going on to win six major pieces of silverware.
      Gnabry also won Bayern’s Player of the Season in the 2018-19 campaign.
      Serge Gnabry barely got a look in at Arsenal before becoming a world starCredit: Rex Features
      Donyell Malen
      The North Londoners brought the forward to England in 2015 from Ajax, with the player making his senior debut against Sydney FC in a pre-season game in 2017.
      But he failed to convince the club he deserved a chance in the Premier League – a decision they immediately regretted.
      PSV signed the striker for just £500,000 in 2017 and he is now worth around £35m after scoring 19 goals last season.
      Malen also earned praise following his Euro 2020 exploits and has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
      Donyell Malen joined Arsenal as a youth player before moving to PSV EindhovenCredit: Rex Features
      Emiliano Martinez
      The Argentine had six different loan spells including at Oxford and Rotherham before finally being handed his opportunity in June 2020.
      Bernd Leno’s injury saw Martinez make 23 appearances and he became an FA Cup hero when he lifted the trophy later that season.
      Boss Mikel Arteta opted to keep Leno as his No1 and therefore sold Martinez to Aston Villa for £20m.
      He has enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign at Villa and won their Player of the Season.

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      Emiliano Martinez has emerged as one of the Prem’s best goalkeepersCredit: Getty
      Santi Cazorla
      A cult hero in North London, Cazorla’s career looked on the brink of being over following a string of long-term injuries.
      The magical Spaniard spent six years with Arsenal, making 180 appearances until leaving on a free transfer to Villarreal.
      Against all the odds, Cazorla would go on to rediscover his best form for the Yellow Submarine and made 86 appearances across two seasons.
      In the 2019/20 season he scored 11 times and assisted a further nine.
      Santi Cazorla resdiscovered his best form at VillarrealCredit: EPA

      Carlos Vela
      The Mexican forward joined Arsenal as a youngster in 2005 but was forced to wait until 2008 to make his debut.
      He played 62 times for Arsenal in all competitions over three seasons before joining West Brom on loan and then Real Sociedad.
      It was at the Spanish club that Vela reached his full potential scoring 73 goals over 250 appearances in LaLiga.
      Vela is now enjoying a career swansong with Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
      Carlos Vela enjoyed a hugely successful career at Real SociedadCredit: EPA
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      Kieran Tierney signs bumper new five-year Arsenal contract More