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Granit Xhaka has experienced a rollercoaster career with Arsenal so far. Signed in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach, Xhaka cost Arsenal a reported £30 million at the time. Famed for his excellent passing and leadership abilities, Xhaka was admired by then Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who signed the Swiss footballer.
Xhaka has certainly enjoyed his fair share of success with the Gunners. He has won two FA Cups and two Community Shields. He was also the club's captain for a brief period of time.
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Xhaka, though, has been linked with several clubs, including AS Roma, in the past couple of transfer windows. A move looks increasingly likely with each passing week. Let's take a look at five players who could replace Granit Xhaka at Arsenal if he were to leave.
#5. Douglas Luiz | Aston Villa
Douglas Luiz has emerged as one of Arsenal's options to replace Granit Xhaka.
The Brazilian signed for Aston Villa in 2019 and has been a regular for the side since. He made 36 league appearances for Villa in his debut season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Luiz went on to make 33 league appearances the following season and established himself as a regular starter in the Villa setup. He has made 23 appearances this season and continues to be one of the club's key players.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Luiz would be a like-for-like swap with Granit Xhaka. Still only 23, he still has a long way to go and would benefit greatly under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta.
#4. Yves Bissouma | Brighton & Hove Albion
Yves Bissouma is one of the Premier League's most underrated midfielders.
The Malian signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018 and has been a consistent performer for the side over the last three years. He displays maturity beyond his age and is blessed with an excellent reading of the game.
A central midfielder by trade, Bissouma is known for making the center of the park his own. He averages an incredibly high output for tackles and interceptions in every game and is doubtless one of Brighton's best players.
Bissouma would certainly be a shrewd addition to the Arsenal lineup. His defensive and passing abilities would greatly complement the squad.
#3. Arthur Melo | Juventus
Mikel Arteta is known to be a big admirer of Arthur Melo. The Brazilian first came to Europe after signing for Barcelona in 2018. He spent two years with the Blaugrana before moving to Juventus in one of the most unexpected swap deals in recent history.
Arthur is an extremely versatile midfielder and is capable of playing anywhere in the middle of the park. He displays great passing and positioning and would be a great addition to the Arsenal side.
Still only 25 years old, Arthur is yet to hit his peak. His experience in Spain and Italy could greatly benefit a young Arsenal side that are trying to be competitive in Europe once again.
#2. Renato Sanches | Lille
Renato Sanches is a talented midfielder who seems to have gone under the radar of Europe's top clubs.
The Portuguese player has already represented Benfica and Bayern Munich in the past. He even spent a season on loan at Swansea City in the Premier League. Sanches is also a regular for the Portuguese national football team.
Sanches is known to be an extremely strong midfielder with excellent passing ability. He displays intensity on the pitch and is versatile enough to play anywhere within the midfield line.
Sanches was a key player in Lille's league triumph last year, beating French heavyweight Paris Saint-Germain. He has previously been linked with Arsenal and could certainly replace Granit Xhaka.
#1. Lucas Paqueta | Lyon
Lucas Paqueta has been one of Europe's most underrated midfielders over the past couple of seasons. Paqueta made his name with Flamengo in Brazil before signing for AC Milan in 2019. He spent a year in Italy before signing for Olympique Lyon the following year.
In the two years since joining, Paqueta has become one of the side's most important players. Capable of playing anywhere in midfield, Paqueta has already made 25 league appearances this season.
He has a healthy contribution of goals and assists every season, already registering seven goals and four assists this year. Arsenal were previously interested in signing his teammate Bruno Guimaraes, who ultimately joined Newcastle earlier this year.
Paqueta has also become a regular for the Brazilian national side and would certainly add great value to Arsenal.
