Many Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after Granit Xhaka’s agent Jose Noguera told Blick that the Arsenal midfielder wishes to join Hertha Berlin in January.
Toon boss Steve Bruce had been interested in bringing the Swiss international to St. James’ Park on loan next month, after being led to believe there would be a chance Xhaka could move to the North East.
Bruce was given hope in striking a deal after Xhaka reacted angrily to being substituted during a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace, by storming off down the tunnel at the Emirates Stadium after swearing at supporters who were jeering his departure.
The events led to Xhaka being stripped of the captaincy, and would miss three Premier League games before returning to the fold at the start of December.
A change in manager in North London with the arrival of Mikel Arteta could have seen Xhaka given a clean slate to begin again at Arsenal, though the Spaniard’s private comments have seen the 27-year-old favour a mid-season transfer.
“I will say it frankly and honestly: We are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin,” Noguera told Blick. “So we said Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and Sports Director Edu Gaspar – as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.
“Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear. It’s only about the transfer fee of the clubs.”
Should Newcastle bid for Xhaka?
Yes
No
Arteta told reporters at his first press conference with Arsenal that he had always admired Xhaka and wanted to sign him while at Manchester City, but later told the midfielder in private that he could leave in the summer.
Blick add Hertha have offered around €25million (£21.2m) to complete a January move for Xhaka, though Bild note that Arteta is so far refusing to sanction the deal.
Here are some of the messages shared as Newcastle fans reacted to the updates on Xhaka’s future…
You don’t say. I’ve very surprised by this
— steve mckenna (@SteveMcKenna_) December 27, 2019
Let’s not kid ourselves here, was he ever actually on it? Ashley would never pay his wages
— Scott Tomlinson (@Scottio200) December 27, 2019
Xhaka running away from the thought of having to play football under Bruce👇 pic.twitter.com/3gE0PxnZFy
— Rafa Facts (@FactsRafa) December 27, 2019
Who’s surprised? 🎃
— Andrew Junior (@Andy83JW) December 27, 2019
We wasn’t in for him.
— TMW (@TilehurstsOwn) December 27, 2019
— Steve Smith (@stesmi) December 27, 2019
Aye we couldn’t get him over the line 😂😂😂
— Mr Potato Head™ (@aborisdrone) December 27, 2019
This could be a great NUFC Christmas game. Players that we’ll no longer attempt to buy. Here’s another we have lost interest in. pic.twitter.com/EC27TXWnw9
— LittleMatchstickOwen (@KuffDam99) December 27, 2019
In other Newcastle United news, a £40k-p/w Toon man has been linked with a January exit.