Gabriel Magalhaes in line for significant Arsenal promotion as £21.5m transfer is completed
Mikel Arteta has a ready-made replacement for Granit Xhaka with the midfielder completing a summer transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, thus earning Arsenal a significant windfall
Granit Xhaka's £21.5 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen creates a huge void at Arsenal in more ways than one, but early indications are that Mikel Arteta already has the answers.
In many ways, the Switzerland international's departure is somewhat of a surprise given he's been a regular in the side ever since arriving from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2016 and, when fit and available for selection, has generally been an automatic starter during the Gunners manager's tenure.
After netting nine goals whilst weighing in with seven assists across all competitions last season, Xhaka will certainly prove to be a tough act to follow on the pitch and that task looks set to fall on the shoulders of Kai Havertz who completed a £65m transfer from Chelsea last month.
Or it could be that Gabriel Magalhaes earns a promotion. After all, the Brazilian wore the Arsenal captain's armband during the second half of the 3-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion towards the end of last season and this occurred when Odegaard, Xhaka and Jesus had all been substituted.
As a result, this may have been a clear indication that Gabriel, a dependable member of the first-team squad, will be named in Arsenal's leadership group for next season as Arteta looks to ensure his side doesn't miss a beat when it comes to replacing Xhaka on and off the pitch.
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