Xhaka: I will bring aggression and leadership

Matt Stead

Arsenal’s new signing Granit Xhaka believes he can bring an often-lacking mean streak to Arsene Wenger’s side next season.

The Gunners announced on Wednesday they had agreed a deal to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder on a “long-term contract”.

Xhaka, who has 41 caps for Switzerland, captained the German side to fourth place in the Bundesliga last season and says leadership comes naturally to him.

“I’m an aggressive player and also a leader. I’m only 23 but I captained a good team in Germany,” Xhaka said.

“When I was younger, even though I had a big brother, my parents would give me the house key every day.

“It’s in my head that I am a leader and captaining Monchengladbach was very good for me.”

Xhaka has experience playing in the Champions League for Gladbach and is renowned for his fitness and tough tackles.

“I like the style of football in the Premier League,” Xhaka said. “It’s a fight. I like that but Arsenal can also play football and that’s very good.

“In Germany you can play aggressively but the referee will always blow his whistle, but in England that’s not the case. That’s better for me.”

The transfer is still to be officially completed but Arsenal have confirmed Xhaka’s contract will begin on July 1.

The former Basle man will become the Gunners’ first major signing of the summer as Arsene Wenger looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the title next season