Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka has hailed Tottenham Hotspur target Denis Zakaria.
Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new midfielder, and the are now being linked with Borussia Monchengladbach ace Denis Zakaria.
SPORT-Bild report that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all want to sign Zakaria, but he won’t come cheaply.
It’s believed that Gladbach want more than the €45million they sold Granit Xhaka to Arsenal for in 2016, with at least €50million (£43million) wanted for him.
Zakaria, 22, not only plays for Gladbach just like Xhaka did, but also features with the Arsenal man in the Switzerland midfield, so it’s only fitting that Xhaka has given his view on him.
In Bild’s report, they carry quotes from Xhaka about Zakaria, in which he claims that the former Young Boys star is showing ‘outstanding’ development for club and country.
Xhaka added that he ‘feels better’ when Zakaria is next to him in the Switzerland midfield, but urged him to stay focused, as this is a ‘very crucial’ phase of his career.
“His development is outstanding,” said Xhaka. “Having Denis in the national team next to me makes me feel better! But he has to stay tuned – now comes a very crucial phase for him,” he added.
If Tottenham get their way, they may be able to field Zakaria against Xhaka, in what would add even more intrigue to the midfield battles in North London derbies.
A strong and imposing figure at 6ft 3in tall, Zakaria is a fantastic defensive midfield player with a fine passing range, whilst his athletic ability – both in terms of strength and pace – make him a well-rounded midfielder, and Xhaka surely won’t want to face him having enjoyed the comfort of playing alongside him.
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