When Granit Xhaka signed a new contract at Arsenal, the Swiss midfielder looked set to remain with the north London side well into his thirties, but interesting reports from Italy involving Weston McKennie seem to prove otherwise.
According to CalcioMercato via Tutto Juve, Serie A giants Juventus are eager to sign Xhaka this January. As per the report, Massimiliano Allegri is a fan of the Arsenal star. And the Italian manager could offer McKennie in a swap deal for the 29-year-old.
With McKennie not in Allegri’s good books already at Juventus, there is a strong chance that the American international could depart Turin in January. Moreover, even with Xhaka signing an extension at Arsenal, the prospect of the midfielder leaving north London seems to remain.
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Swapping McKennie for Xhaka makes sense on paper
Indeed, swap deals in football are rare, and there are even fewer cases of these transfers working out. But in this incident, Xhaka could flourish at Juventus whilst McKennie might succeed at Arsenal.
After all, Xhaka was linked with a move to Serie A for the entire summer. Moreover, the Swiss captain is perfect for the tempo and flow of the Italian league.
Likewise, with McKennie, the energetic and dynamic 23-year-old midfielder has the quality and physicality to be a real asset in the Premier League.
Alongside Thomas Partey or Albert Sambi Lokonga, Arsenal could have a midfield duo that can rival some of the best in the division with the American onboard.
January transfer can be one of the best Arsenal make in years
It almost feels like a transfer that’s straight out of FIFA or Football Manager. Arsenal swapping an experienced yet ultimately error-prone midfielder for one six years his junior and with the potential to become one of the best in the world is almost too perfect a deal to comprehend.
If such a transfer was to happen, it could be one of the best Arsenal pull off in years. After all, the club were eager to sell Xhaka this summer, with the player himself also keen on a move.
And if there is a chance to finally get the Swiss midfielder off their books whilst getting an incredible talent in McKennie in return, it is an opportunity that Arsenal simply have to take when January rolls around.