New Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has stated that he will not be happy to sit on the bench at the Emirates Stadium and has moved to the English club to progress his career.
The Gunners moved early this summer to land the Switzerland international enforcer, who has joined the North London club from Borussia Monchengladbach after star performances in the Bundesliga.
Xhaka will add a much-needed dominant presence in the heart of Arsene Wenger’s midfield and fits the bill after a section of the club’s support have called for a new top-level performer to be added to the squad in the position.
The new man has made a bold statement in terms of his chances to play, with the former FC Basel man admitting that he will not be happy to sit on the sidelines this season.
“I have not come to Arsenal to sit on the bench or even in the grandstand,” he told Berner Oberlaender.
“But I’m not 30, I’ll be 24 at the end of September. I’ve moved to a club and a coach that can develop me.
“I think at Arsenal I can improve my speed and power. Because I realise now that I’m not at a hundred per cent of what is possible there. [Understanding] this too is an advancement.”
Arsenal have plenty of options in central midfield, with Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey all in contention to play and Jack Wilshere sent out on loan.
