Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Granit Xhaka and Mats Hummels Rumours

Arsenal reportedly remain in a standoff with Borussia Monchengladbach over star midfielder Granit Xhaka, with the Gunners reluctant to meet the Bundesliga club’s asking price.

But Xhaka may not be the only player from Germany’s top flight targeted by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger this summer. Reports are claiming the Frenchman also has an interest in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels, along with Manchester United and Barcelona.

Yet, it’s Xhaka whom Wenger appears to be making the most obvious moves to sign, even though the fee remains a sticking point.

James Olley of the London Evening Standard provided the details of the ongoing negotiations: “The German club are believed to have indicated they are willing to accept less than the original £35 million valuation but still expect close to £30m. However, Arsenal are still believed to be hovering just above the £20m mark.”

Despite this apparent parsimony, Arsenal’s chances of actually signing Swiss stalwart Xhaka are still considered high. In fact, German publication Bild (h/t Metro’s Max Miller) have given both Arsenal and Liverpool an “80 percent chance” of eventually sealing a deal for the combative and classy 23-year-old.

But the hesitation over the fee is still likely to irk frustrated Gunners supporters already short on patience with beleaguered boss Wenger.

Arsenal’s chief has seen a season fall apart. Knocked out of the UEFA Champions League and both domestic cups, the Gunners haven’t even been able to maintain a title challenge. Wenger’s men have slipped to fourth in the Premier League—13 points behind leaders Leicester City and eight behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

This has turned into Wenger’s worst campaign in charge, and many would likely blame the decision not to sign an outfield player last summer. Wenger is notoriously frugal in the market—a perception that won’t be altered by the hesitation to meet Xhaka’s asking price.

Yet, while this seems like an easy one to criticise, Wenger is right to be a little cautious over the fee, despite Xhaka’s blend of power and skill.

The …

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