Had Xhaka remained at Arsenal, perhaps the Switzerland international may have instead been celebrating a Premier League title – we’ll never know.
But in a season of fine margins fighting with Manchester City, there’s no doubt that Arsenal’s struggle to settle on a number eight was a distracting factor.
A midfield of Declan Rice, Xhaka and Martin Odegaard could have thrived – but Arsenal decided it was time to allow the former captain to move on.
That being said, and having now decided that Kai Havertz will be a striker next season, Arteta appears to have finally found his Xhaka replacement, Mikel Merino.
Mikel Merino is the number eight Arsenal have been waiting for
Recently it was reported that Arteta was in love with Merino’s physicality, a midfielder who is showing the whole world what he’s capable of at Euro 2024.
The former Newcastle United player, who has come on leaps and bounds since his days in the Premier League, now has just one-year left on his contract.
And with all considered, Arsenal look perfectly positioned to make Merino their new number eight.
The left-footer has so many similar qualities to Xhaka, equally able to provide a deft assist.
It’s almost uncanny watching Merino’s minutes last season when comparing the midfielder with Xhaka in the 2022/23 season at Arsenal.
Merino has a similar power and presence on the left – but has added athleticism and aerial ability, as he displayed with his brilliant headed-goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Given that Arsenal seem to be making progress with selling Eddie Nketiah, the funds should be there for the Gunners to seek a deal for Merino – who should be available at a reasonable price.
And at 28-years-old, it would be refreshing to see Arsenal add an experienced player who is still just entering his prime years.
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