Judging by the timings, Arsenal and Spurs have both made signing a central midfielder one of their priorities this season.
The Gunners have already signed Granit Xhaka in a £35million deal, while Sky Sports are reporting that Victor Wanyama is flying in from Kenya to complete a medical as part of his move to White Hart Lane.
That has unsurprisingly led to a few comparisons between the two, particularly after Xhaka’s superb performance for Switzerland in their 0-0 draw with France at Euro 2016.
So, who’s getting the better deal?
Wanyama is costing Spurs between £11-12million, which is a real bargain.
He’s presumably only so cheap because he’s only got one year on his contract left to run.
Xhaka’s price tag seems a lot considering he’s only proven in the Swiss league.
Both are hot-headed midfielders, and both were sent off three times last season – something both Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger will want to consider when they take their respective players on.
Xhaka’s passes are exquisite and he will definitely be the better fit for Arsenal than Wanyama would have been, as they were indeed linked with him.
The Kenyan, on the other hand, is a better all-round player, even if he’s also not much of a goalscorer.
Wanyama provides more assists, whereas Xhaka’s contribution is more subtle.
Ultimately, Wanyama is at least as good as the much-hyped Xhaka, as he has proven himself at the highest level. Xhaka has the potential to become the ultimate box-to-box midfielder, but Spurs certainly don’t need to worry, as they’ve got just as good a deal – if not better.
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derek herschman
Jun 20, 2016 at 8:35 pm
Both are good players….BUT….KANTE Great made Licester Tick-
Gives 110% I’ve Watched Him Play,From Defense Too Attack!