Steve Bruce has been led to believe that there is a chance Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could complete a switch to Newcastle United in the January transfer window, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper claims that AC Milan are favourites in the race to sign the 27-year-old, but Bruce is still confident of being able to sign the Switzerland international on loan when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.
It is understood that Xhaka is keen to quit the Emirates after being stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the first-team by manager Unai Emery and is aware of the interest from the North-East.
OPINION
Xhaka has not exactly been amazing for Arsenal but some of the abuse that he has received from his own supporters is absolutely embarrassing and everyone knows how some Arsenal fans can be on social media. Xhaka’s reputation has been tarnished by the level of criticism – often unfair and over-the-top – has received at the Emirates but maybe a step down from a regular top-six side to a team like Newcastle could see him rediscover some form. Xhaka is a tough-tackling defensive-midfielder who has leadership skills and the ability to score from long-range. He’s not someone who Newcastle fans should be rolling their eyes at. However, does Bruce really need another defensive-minded midfielder? Xhaka could be better than what he already has but would it not be best to use the club’s resources on improving an attack that is struggling to score goals? Newcastle’s defence has only looked shaky in a couple of matches this season.
