Granit Xhaka looks like he could become the first major departure under Mikel Arteta.
Xhaka played the entirety against Bournemouth on Thursday, with the Spaniard confirming that the Swiss star was part of his Emirates plans.
However, the player is thought to be keen on a return to the Bundesliga with his agent, Jose Noguera, informing the media that Xhaka has reached an agreement with Hertha Berlin.
Noguera, talking to Blick, relayed in an article by TEAMtalk, said:
Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin.
We have told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sporting director Edu Gaspar, as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear.
It’s only about the transfer fee of the clubs.
Part of Noguera’s quotes were shared on social media by @ZRAFC, which allowed these fans to urge the club to move for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey as Xhaka’s replacement.
Twitter: @ZRAFC https://t.co/6BcgVawWmF (@AIKAFC17)
Twitter: @ZRAFC Partey incoming (@AdeebFKay)
Twitter: @ZRAFC Bid 50 M for Partey after Party. (@Bitcoinbrighto5)
Twitter: @ZRAFC Unless we replace him with Partey/ a solid DM we’re making a big mistake (@riessnelson)
Read Arsenal verdict
It looks as if Xhaka is adamant over a north London exit, so the Gunners may be forced to part ways with the midfielder.
They paid Borussia Monchengladbach £35m three-and-a-half-years ago, so receiving a fee around that region would be an excellent piece of business.
The funds they bring in from a potential Xhaka sale would have to go back into bringing a new man in, and Partey could prove to be the perfect signing.
The Ghanaian, who was ‘desperate’ to make the move to north London over the summer, appears to have all the attributes needed to succeed in England, so he may be someone Arteta is keen on signing.
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