New season – new midfield. Arsenal obviously thought this part of the field needed the most attention, so they invested around 170 million pounds in two players – Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Coach Mikel Arteta wanted the West Ham’s midfielder at all costs, and boy did he pay him – 105 million, plus bonuses. Even the over-rich Manchester City quickly gave up when they heard the price, but the Spaniard was reluctant to let go, and he got him, along with Champions League-winning scorer Kai Havertz. With the two, it seems that only captain Martin Odegaard will keep his place in the starting 11 come August. Sure, there will be games on four fronts, and there will be suspension and injuries, but currently, the Gunners have too many players fighting for three places. And two starters will have to go.Granit Xhaka will be missed ❤pic.twitter.com/ggdIQwvilM— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) July 6, 2023 For the second time in just two years, Mikel Arteta will show his ’iron fist’ while dealing with club captains. First, it was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose off-the-field antics were too much, so the then-captain was shipped to Barcelona. And this season, another former captain will change the club. As things stand, Granit Xhaka will end up in Bayer Leverkusen. The deal has been brewing for months now, and the Gunners got a fantastic price for the player – around 22 million pounds. Considering they bought him in 2016 for 30 million, and considering he only has one year on his contract, it seems that sporting director Edu ended up as the winner in a deal for the 30-year-old midfielder. Rice is finally agreed, Timber will arrive soonXhaka was close to leaving Arsenal two years ago, only for negotiations with AS Roma to break down. He also cited Arteta as the main reason for his stay and had no problem with the coach. In fact, he played regularly last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists. The deal is expected soon, and Xhaka will sign a long-term contract with Leverkusen. Before joining Arsenal, the Swiss midfielder played and captained Borussia Monchengladbach for years, so he is no stranger in Bundesliga. The rich club, financed by the pharmaceutical giants Bayer, also bought an excellent winger/midfielder Jonas Hofmann from Monchengladbach yesterday, as they are preparing to attack the Champions League place next season. 🔴⚪️ | TRANSFERS: Arsenal to raise £50m from two sales.📰 According to The Mirror’s (@DailyMirror) Tom Blow, the Gunners look to recoup at least £50m from the sales of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. 🇬🇭 Thomas Partey – £30m🇨🇭 Granit Xhaka – £21.5mWhat’s your thoughts,… pic.twitter.com/VSVo0rMBOY— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) July 6, 2023 The other valuable and regular (but often injured) starter Thomas Partey is on the verge of leaving too. The Ghanaian international has the same age as Xhaka, but has two more years on his deal, so the interested club should pay some fee. Arsenal is listening to offers, but so far, there are not many of them, at least not formal. Saudi Arabia and Italy clubs seem to be keen the most to shop Partey. With the departure of those two players, footballers like Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Jorginho will have a chance to shine. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7356090##
