Thursday, March 28, 2024

Granit Xhaka ‘agrees terms’ with Hertha Berlin

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has “agreed terms” with Hertha Berlin, according to agent. Last week, Sky in Germany reported that the manager of Hertha, Jurgen Klinsmann, is “very keen” to sign the Swiss international, and the club hope they can get a deal done in January.

The two clubs are currently in negotiations regarding a deal for Xhaka, but it could be tough for them to strike an agreement, given Arsenal are looking to recoup as much of the money they paid for him as possible. Xhaka joined Arsenal back in 2016 for £35million from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Emirates for a number of weeks now, following events in the draw with Crystal Palace back in late October. Xhaka was subbed off, much to the delight of the fans who showed their disdain towards the player with boos and sarcastic cheers. Xhaka reacted, swearing and gesturing towards the fans. For his actions, he was stripped of the captaincy at the club.

Xhaka’s agent, Jose Noguera, says he is hopeful that the two sides can agree a deal in the January transfer window.

Xhaka out the door?

Granit Xhaka

“Look, I say it frankly and honestly: we agree with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin. We told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sports director Edu – as well as the new trainer Mikel Arteta,” said Noguera. “Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear. It is only about the transfer fee of the clubs.”

Currently, Hertha Berlin sit 12th in the Bundesliga, just four points above the relegation play off spot. Despite having a decent team, Hertha have struggled to make much of a fist of their season so far, and currently sit one place and one point behind their Berlin rivals, Union, who are enjoying their first ever season in Germany’s top division.

To me, this is a deal that makes a lot of sense to all parties. If Arsenal can receive somewhere in the region of £15-20million for Xhaka, they should snap off the hands of Hertha. Let’s be honest, at this point, Xhaka isn’t the player he used to be – he’s rash, reckless, and has been a weak link in the Arsenal side for some time.

Arsenal will know they won’t, or at least shouldn’t, get anywhere near the £35m they paid for the Swiss midfielder. From the players point of view, he will be looking to get out of Arsenal any way he possibly can. It’s been a torrid few months for him from a personal point of view, and a fresh start is exactly what he needs. Going back to Germany, where he did so well last time, is a perfect move.

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