Report: Newcastle eyeing Arsenal outcast Xhaka on loan
Granit Xhaka might be the solution to Newcastle United's need for a new central midfielder.
The Magpies are interested in signing the Arsenal outcast on loan in January if he's willing to remain in the Premier League, Luke Edwards of The Telegraph reports.
Manager Steve Bruce, who's made midfield help his top priority ahead of the winter transfer window, believes there's a chance Xhaka will be open to joining Newcastle despite interest from AC Milan, Edwards adds.
Xhaka's future in north London has been murky since he was stripped of the captaincy after his outburst toward Arsenal supporters while being jeered during last month's draw with Crystal Palace. He hasn't made an appearance since.
He's reportedly eager to leave Unai Emery's side to cement his place in Switzerland's XI ahead of next summer's European Championship despite claiming he plans on "fighting" to recapture his place in the side.
It's understood that the 27-year-old is aware of Newcastle's interest and that international teammate Fabian Schar, who was one of the Magpies' top performers last season, spoke favorably of the club and the city to Xhaka.
Newcastle sit seven points clear of the relegation zone after 12 matches.
Xhaka joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 for a reported initial £25-million fee.