A few Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after Swiss journalist Marcello Pelizzari told Il Milanista that the Magpies would be a ‘welcome solution’ for former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, should he opt to leave the Emirates Stadium.
Xhaka was stripped of the Gunners captaincy earlier this month after he reacted angrily to jeers and boos from his own supporters, by cupping his ears and swearing at fans when substituted against Crystal Palace.
Doubt has since risen over his future at Arsenal, who could look to sell the 27-year-old in January, after the Switzerland captain informed Emery that he was not available for selection ahead of their defeat to Leicester City last weekend.
The clash was the £100,000-per-week midfielder’s fourth consecutive match on the sidelines following his outburst.
According to The Times, Newcastle are ready to make a move for Xhaka should his services hit the market, with Arsenal chiefs expecting the former Borussia Monchengladbach man to continue ruling himself out of their games.
AC Milan are also interested in acquiring Xhaka in the winter, and it has been claimed that the 6 ft 1 midfielder has begun house hunting in the Italian fashion capital.
Pelizzari – who writes for Swiss title Il Corriere del Ticino – has told Il Milanista that he expects Milan would be in the driving seat to sign Xhaka, but feels Newcastle would be a logical choice for his consideration, as well.
“Right now, Xhaka has various options on the table,” he said. “There has been talk of Newcastle, which would be a welcome solution, because he can remain in the Premier League.
Do you want to sign Granit Xhaka in January?
Yes! Added experience
No! We've got better
“Rumour has it that Borussia Dortmund is on the table, where he would find [Lucien] Favre, who launched him at the time of Borussia Monchengladbach. By attending the national meetings, however, we know that he loves Italy and Milan in particular.
“From what we have come to know, even from sources close to his entourage, Milan would be the company that is ahead in negotiations to take him away from London in January – also because [Chairman Ivan] Gazidis has known him since the Arsenal days.”
Here are some of the reactions to Pelizzari’s verdict…
He ain’t coming to the toon
— Mr Potato Head™ (@aborisdrone) November 13, 2019
I don’t see the benefit of such a move. Would drain limited resources and be competition for the creative midfield position which we already have shelvey, s.longstaff and ki for. Need a defensive midfielder but he’s proven he can’t do that role
— Andrew Neill (@andrewsneill) November 13, 2019
He’s going Italy
— OLE (@miggy_124) November 13, 2019
Can’t see it happening :/
— Kyle (@Geordiekylee) November 13, 2019
Not sure we need him, the Longstaff brothers are a work in progress but more games they get the better, and Shelvey and Hayden are probably equally as good as Xhaka… save the money and spend it on backup for wing backs and striker
— Chris Wiseman (@ChrisWiseman84) November 13, 2019
Favre at Dortmund might not last till January tbh
— The Perennial Pundit (@PerennialPundit) November 13, 2019
Wed be better off with Xhaka Khan than another average midfielder.
— East Stand. (@McGowan_NUFC) November 13, 2019