Granit Xhaka’s expected exit from Arsenal has caused quite the division among supporters. While it shows the Gunners ambition to continue improving, the Switzerland international was a key figure to their 2022/23 Premier League title push and allowing him to leave this summer when depth in midfield is desperately needed does throw up some questions.
Nonetheless, it appears Xhaka is the one pushing for the move in search of a new challenge and his next destination will be Germany. football.london understands he is an advanced talks to complete a £13million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen with Xhaka himself appearing to say his goodbyes at Emirates Stadium last weekend in the 5-0 win over Wolves where he grabbed a brace.
Attention must now swiftly turn to wrapping up a deal for his replacement along with agreeing terms for the Gunners to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. Prior to news of Xhaka’s impending departure, two midfielders being signed by the Gunners this summer was a real possibility with the hope being one will be Rice.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is one option with it looking highly unlikely he remains on the south coast for the 2023/24 campaign, with Chelsea also wanting his services. As advanced midfield options, Mason Mount, Martin Zubimendi and Ilkay Gundogan are targets, although Barcelona are interested in the latter duo while Manchester United are clear frontrunners to sign Mount from Chelsea.
Xhaka scoring on nine occasions from midfield this season means his replacement must also have a keen eye for the back of the net and it looks as though Edu could have found a perfect replacement. Feyenoord star Orkun Kokcu could leave the Dutch champions this summer and for a number of reasons could be the perfect successor to Xhaka.
Firstly, he has scored 12 goals in total this season, captaining Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title which showcases his leadership skills that will be needed because of the gap Xhaka will undoubtedly leave in the squad. At 22, he is also eight years younger than Xhaka which makes him the perfect age for an Arteta signing.
The Gunners have shown a mild interest in Kokcu during prior windows and his performances in the Netherlands have also made him a target for Benfica and Liverpool. Just two years ago, Kokcu was valued at €20million (£17.3m), but now he could demand a fee closer to £50m, with Inside Futbol reporting Benfica are currently leading the race to sign him.
It is a hefty amount of funds that Arsenal would have to part ways with, but that is the current predicament of the market and he will certainly cost less than Mount and Caicedo who are valued at £70million and £80million, respectively.
