Rennes are reportedly close to signing Arsenal-linked midfielder Xeka. The midfielder was linked to a move in the summer transfer window to the Gunners.
However, the Premier League giants have decided to reject the opportunity to sign the midfielder. Therefore, it looks like the midfielder will now sign for another Ligue1 team.
ARSENAL AND XEKA TRANSFER LINKS FULL STORY
According to reports, Arsenal were reportedly given the chance to sign Xeka on a free transfer. The midfielder is a free agent since leaving Lille this summer. However, it looks like Mikel Arteta has rejected the opportunity to sign him. The report also adds that the midfielder was ready to sign for the Premier League club on a short-term deal.
These reports have come out due to the injury crisis in the midfield department for Arsenal. The Gunners are going to be without Mohamed Elneny till 2023. They also tried to sign Douglas Luiz as his replacement on the deadline day. However, Aston Villa refused to sell him. Thomas Partey is now back. However, the reality is Arsenal does need a midfielder in the January transfer window.
RENNES ARE NOW CLOSE TO SIGNING THE TALENTED PORTUGUESE MIDFIELDER
Now according to French media reports, Rennes are close to signing Xeka on a free transfer. The Ligue 1 side are signing an experienced midfielder. He has already made appearances for Lille in their title-winning campaign. The midfielder is also sometimes compared to Toni Kroos. Hence, Xeka would be a brilliant signing for the young Rennes side.
The report also can confirm that Arsenal will now be directly active in the January transfer window. It also means that the Gunners are going to trust their other midfielders. This will also mean that Albert-Sambi-Lokonga will have more game time. If Xeka would have been signed by the Gunners, Lokonga would have surely left the club in the January transfer window.
Xeka is a brilliant midfielder. He can play in various positions in the midfield. The midfielder also has the experience to play in the Champions League. Hence, his signing will increase the chances of Rennes going ahead in the Europa League. It will also increase the chances of Arsenal meeting Xeka in future rounds.
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