Arsenal finished second in the 2015-16 season, thanks to Tottenham Hotspur's last day slip up and that is something that should not be considered as a success for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger decided against signing an outfield player last summer as Petr Cech was the only addition to the squad before the start of the recently concluded season.
The north London club are looking to avoid the same mistake in this summer's transfer window. According to Goal, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka has traveled to the English capital before his proposed move to the Emirates.
Xhaka has been on Arsenal's radar as the Frenchman long been an admirer of the Switzerland international. Wenger is keen on further strengthening his squad for the next season and make his employers genuine title contenders for the upcoming campaign.
The Bundesliga outfit are willing to do business, provided the interest club could match their asking price. Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl confirmed they have received a bid for Xhaka, but both clubs are yet to reach an agreement for his sale.
"Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that an offer had been made for the Swiss midfielder. However, they were yet to come to an agreement with the interested club," a statement read on Monchengladbach's official website.
It is now believed the deal between the two clubs have been agreed and the Gunners will pay €43m which will include add-ons. Xhaka is in London as he is set to undergo a medical before his switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The Swiss midfielder will sign a four-year contract and has requested No 34 shirt, which is currently held by Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman is happy to swap his shirt number with the new arrival as he will be looking for a new number from the next season.
Arsenal already saw two of their star players, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky after the end of the campaign. The arrival of Xhaka will help Wenger reduce the void left by the departure of these two players, though their appearance this season was limited due to form and fitness.
This will be a good move for Arsenal as Wenger starts looking to strengthening the squad. Xhaka can combine well with the Gunners' January addition Mohamed Elneny in the centre of the pitch.
