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Well, that's it then.
Photographs have leaked from the official announcement photo shoot for Granit Xhaka, the 23-year-old Swiss central midfielder and Arsenal's first signing of the summer. Fun bonus: he's actually been photographed in the new kit that has yet to be announced. Xhaka was already expected in London this weekend for a medical and, barring any late drama, was expected to be announced as an Arsenal played in relatively short order. Clearly, the fee and personal terms have been agreed and all that's left is for club's media relations team to put together the announcement.
#WelcomeXhaka #afc #fohlenelf pic.twitter.com/XO3zFFahUr
— Sultan (@DieFohlen) May 21, 2016
Arsenal have been scouting Xhaka for months, with our first coverage dating back to March. Clearly, Arsene Wenger identified the man for the job and went out and got him, despite some hand-wringing over the possible fee. With reports indicating Arsenal will pay between £25 and £30 for a highly-rated central midfielder, Wenger seems to both have gotten just the player he wanted and to have paid an unbelievable price. Magic hat and all that.
We'll have all the continuing coverage of the announcement of Granit Xhaka as it breaks. Watch this space.