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Arsenal have stepped up their attempts to land midfielder Granit Xhaka.

The Gunners have opened talks with the Swiss star’s club Borussia Monchengladbach and made an opening offer worth around £24m.

Monchengladbach are holding out for £32m but Arsenal are understood to be confident of reaching an agreement with the Bundesliga side.

Arsenal’s early move is a sign of their determination to try to get a deal for Xhaka tied up as soon as possible.

And the fee would also be a statement of intent.

(Image: Christian Verheyen)

Wenger has signed only two players for higher than his first bid for Xhaka – Mesut Ozil for £42.5m and Alexis Sanchez for £32m.

Xhaka has emerged as one of Wenger’s principle midfield targets with Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta all set to leave this summer.

Xhaka is renowned in Germany for his leadership qualities and passing ability.

Despite being just 23 he boasts plenty of experience having been capped 40 times already by his country and played over 200 club games for Swiss outfit Basel and Monchengladbach.

And Wenger has been convinced to move for Xhaka after having him watched more than 30 times this season.

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