Granit Xhaka 'the perfect Arsenal signing', says Per Mertesacker

'Perfect signing': Per Mertesacker is looking forward to sharing a pitch with Granit Xhaka
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Tom Dutton19 July 2016

Per Mertesacker believes Granit Xhaka is 'the perfect signing' and expects the Swiss international to bring composure to Arsenal's midfield next term.

The Gunners signed Xhaka for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £34million in May as Arsene Wenger acted swiftly to restructure his midfield following the departures of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky.

The 23-year-old has been shown around Emirates Stadium and given a tour of the facilities, but is yet to join up with his new team-mates for training following Euro 2016.

And Mertesacker is looking forward to sharing a pitch with Shaka in the vbuild-up the new campaign.

“I don’t know him personally but that doesn’t matter, we will get along with each other very quickly because he is a good player and has done so much for Borussia Monchengladbach,” The former Germany international told Arsenal's official website.

“He can speak German as well, so it will be joy to get his first year going and help him bed in as a player.

“He’s a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield. He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.

Arsenal 2016/17 pre-season fixtures

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“He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games. He will be the perfect signing for us.”

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