According to Sky Sports, Fabian Schar could ‘hold the key’ to Granit Xhaka’s potential January move to Newcastle United.
This comes from their north-east reporter Keith Downie, who reveals how Bruce is banking on Xhaka’s friendship with his Swiss compatriot being a key factor behind his decision in the new year:
This follows on from a piece by Luke Edwards (The Telegraph) earlier this week, where he revealed that Schar had already told the former Arsenal skipper great things about both the city and the club in an attempt to convince him.
It seems like a long shot, even on loan, but Sky Sports claim the pair have a ‘close friendship’ – and it seems Steve Bruce is banking on that being the difference.
Downie’s piece insists Xhaka is ‘keeping his options’ open following interest from Italy and Germany, but a stint at St James’ Park could be the ideal solution if he’s looking to stay in England, get first-team football and play alongside his Swiss compatriot.
Would you like to see the Arsenal midfielder arrive on loan in January?
Worryingly my Arsenal mate says most fans would gladly pay his train fare to Newcastle, and like when we sell a player I always think the fans review is better than any other….
BillyTheFish(Quote)
Arsenal fans treatment of Xhaka was a disgrace. They turned on Wenger and are now turning on Emery.
I think Xhaka is a good midfielder in a very average Arsenal side – the defence is awful.
The problem I have though is that Xhaka is too similar to the midfielders we have already. We need an enforcer – big physical player in there.
Mind you, if getting Xhaka increases our chances of keeping Schär – I’ll meet him at the train station
Sharpy17(Quote)