Mertesacker: Xhaka perfect for Arsenal
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to play a key role at Arsenal, according to Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is relishing the opportunity to play alongside Granit Xhaka, who he said is the "perfect signing" for the Premier League title hopefuls.
Xhaka is set to spearhead Arsenal's midfield after arriving from German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in May.
The 23-year-old Switzerland captain featured at Euro 2016, where he helped the country reach the last-16.
And Mertesacker insists Xhaka will play a key role at the Emirates.
"I don't know him personally but that doesn't matter, we will get along with each other very quickly because he is a good player and has done so much for Borussia Monchengladbach," Mertesacker told Arsenal's website.
"He can speak German as well, so it will be joy to get his first year going and help him bed in as a player.
"He's a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield. He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games. He will be the perfect signing for us."
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw