PROFILE
Granit Xhaka becomes Arsenal's first summer signing and is a major statement of intent by Arsene Wenger after missing out on the Premier League title.
But what exactly will the Switzerland international bring to the Gunners and will he be a worthwhile signing?
we profiles the 23-year-old, assessing his strengths and weaknesses and where he potentially could fit in when Wenger sets about naming his starting XI for the first game of next season...
WHO IS GRANIT XHAKA?
Xhaka is a complete midfielder who can play in the holding role but also in a more advanced position. He can sit deep and dictate play from there or burst forward and support attacks as a more dynamic box-to-box player.
The 23-year-old is aggressive in the way he plays, crashing into tackles and showing a real desire to win back the ball from the opposition. As a result, this can be his biggest weakness. Indeed, in the 2015-16 season alone Xhaka was sent off three times in the Bundesliga, more than any other player.
Xhaka admitted recently that he needed to be calmer, with opponents noticing his hot-headed nature and attempting to wind him up during matches. Gladbach coach Andre Schubert even had to substitute him at half-time against Ingolstadt because he was on the verge of being sent off yet again.
WHAT ARE HIS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES?
Xhaka is technically gifted, a very good passer and his main strength is his ball-winning ability. He is excellent at harrying opposition attackers and regaining possession and he reads the game extremely well. Going forward, the Switzerland international is capable of grabbing the odd goal although only managed three from 25 shots in the latest Bundesliga campaign.
He is still young, but already has plenty of experience at the highest level. Xhaka won several titles and awards with Basel and has featured in the Champions League with the Swiss outfit, as well as with current club Gladbach, whilst also appearing at the 2014 World Cup, where he scored against France.
Xhaka's style means the Premier League seems a perfect fit for him although he must continue to work on cooling down his temper. The 23-year-old is a leader, who isn't afraid to express his opinion publicly, and took the captain's armband at Gladbach towards the end of the season.
WHERE WILL HE FIT IN AT ARSENAL?
Looking at Arsenal's mentality, and their penchant for free-flowing football and quick attacking play, Xhaka should fit in immediately and will likely to be deployed as a holding midfielder.
His excellent distribution will mean he can be relied upon to bring the ball forward rather than just as a shield to protect the defence and it is for that reason that he is likely to replace Francis Coquelin in the starting XI. Xhaka has even joked that he's already spoken with the Frenchman, telling him that he would be taking his No.34 shirt!
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