The anticipated departure of Granit Xhaka from Arsenal has created considerable discord among fans. The Swiss international was a vital player in the Gunners’ 2022–23 Premier League title run, so allowing him to depart this summer when midfield depth is sorely required raises some eyebrows even though it demonstrates the team’s desire to keep getting better.
Though it seems like Xhaka is driving the move in pursuit of a fresh challenge, his next stop will be Germany. According to football.london, he is in advanced discussions to finalise a £13 million deal to Bayer Leverkusen, and Xhaka himself appeared to say his farewell last weekend at Emirates Stadium during the 5-0 victory against Wolves in which he scored a brace.
The focus must now shift quickly to finalising a deal for his successor and reaching an agreement for the Gunners to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. The idea of the Gunners signing two midfielders this summer was serious before the news of Xhaka’s probable exit, with the hope being that one of them would be Rice.
One alternative is Moises Caicedo of Brighton, however it is doubtful that he will stay on the south coast for the 2023–24 season given Chelsea’s interest in him. Ilkay Gundogan, Mason Mount, and Martin Zubimendi are all potential choices for advanced midfielders; however, while Barcelona is interested in the latter two, Manchester United is the front-runner to sign Mount from Chelsea.
Xhaka has scored nine goals from midfield this season, so his replacement must also have an eye for goal, and it appears like Edu may have discovered the ideal alternative. Orkun Kokcu, a standout for Feyenoord who might leave the Dutch champions this summer for a variety of reasons, would be the ideal Xhaka replacement.
First off, he has scored a total of 12 goals this season. He also led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, demonstrating his leadership abilities, which will be necessary given the void that Xhaka will certainly leave in the team. At 22, he is eight years younger than Xhaka, making him the ideal signing age for Arteta.
In previous transfer windows, the Gunners expressed a slight interest in Kokcu, while Benfica and Liverpool were also keeping an eye on him due to his performances in the Netherlands. Two years ago, Kokcu was valued at €20 million (£17.3 million); now, though, Inside Futbol reports that Benfica are leading the battle to recruit him, and he might want a cost closer to £50 million.
He would undoubtedly cost less than Mount and Caicedo, who are valued at £70 million and £80 million, respectively, but that is the market’s present situation, so Arsenal would have to part with a sizable sum of money.
