Newcastle should be knocking on Arsenal’s door for Xhaka

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make a bid for Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka in January.

Granit Xhaka is set to leave Arsenal in January after his falling out with the supporters and Unai Emery. Xhaka has been criticized and even threatened by Arsenal supporters for several months, and that all led to the viral scenes we all witnessed when Xhaka was jeered off as a substitute. As a result, Xhaka has been stripped of the captain’s armband and has not been featured in recent matches.

As a Newcastle United fan this turmoil at Arsenal is great news, and reading this new report that the Magpies are planning to pursue the 27-year-old midfielder is even better news. I am well aware of the fact that many fans are against this move, but let me share my perspective with you and explain why Xhaka would be a great addition to Newcastle United.

The Need for Xhaka Boom

There are three factors a team must always take into consideration when signing a new player and they are talent, mentality and experience. From a talent perspective, Xhaka brings a unique set of skills to the Premier League and he is primarily known for his ability to distribute the ball in the middle of the park and threaten keepers from distance.

The problem at Arsenal is that Xhaka has been paired up with Matteo Guendouzi, a player who has been tasked with the same role as Xhaka by Emery. When you have two players trying to carry out the same exact plan in midfield a ceiling is placed over both players and their success becomes limited. This season, both players have only created a combined total of 13 shots and have only completed two assists.

At Newcastle United, Xhaka would be paired with either Isaac Hayden or Sean Longstaff, and this would bring the best out of him for the following reason. Hayden and Longstaff are tasked with the role of assisting the back-line before they provide support to players ahead of them. Hayden and Longstaff are players who are focused on breaking down counter-attacks and recovering the ball, whereas Xhaka is a player who looks to spread the ball around and create some chances when the opportunity presents itself.

The biggest complaint Arsenal fans have about Xhaka is that his defensive contribution was minimal, but Newcastle United have enough players to make up for his lack of defensive effort. Being dependent on the counter-attack for the last two seasons does that to a team.

Another reason why Newcastle United need to bring Xhaka to Tyneside is because of his mentality and experience. The best time to sign a player is when they are seeking a resurgence, and Xhaka is in that very boat at the moment. He knows he is a top talent, but the fact that he is unwanted at Arsenal will serve as a main source of confidence when he finds a new club, hopefully that club will be Newcastle United.

Has he had his ups and downs at Arsenal in terms of his overall form, yes, but how many times have the Magpies signed a player who failed to meet expectations at St. James’ Park and then went on a hot streak with their new club? Far too many times.

Lastly, the experience Xhaka brings to the table is something that is missing in our locker room. Xhaka was considered an elite player in the Bundesliga and he maintained that reputation under the wing of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, too. Xhaka has 108 Premier League matches under his belt and needs no time to adapt to English football.

Unai Emery’s system is simply a bad fit for Xhaka. The Swiss international is a true leader for his national team and he is recognized as a pivotal player for Switzerland. Having played for Switzerland at multiple EURO and World Cup tournaments, Xhaka would bring meaningful experience and a winning mentality to Newcastle United. It is unfortunate that Emery failed to properly utilize Xhaka at Arsenal, but Steve Bruce is ready to secure his services.