Granit Xhaka to Arsenal: Gunners agree personal terms with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder

Arsenal are close to completing their first summer signing after agreeing personal terms with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has indicated that he wants his future decided before June's European Championship finals begin in France. Arsene Wenger has been a big admirer of the midfielder and made his signing a priority following a good end to the Premier League season that saw them claw back into second place after it looked like they were back in the battle for fourth place.

According to Goal.com, the Gunners are keen on announcing the signing before the start of the quadrennial event and have agreed terms with the Swiss midfielder. Moreover, they have beaten competition from Manchester City, who were also said to be keen on securing the midfielder's services.

Xhaka has been on the north London club's radar since last summer, with the Switzerland international admitting that it has been a childhood dream to play in the Premier League. Monchengladbach were adamant that they will not entertain any bids for their skipper but sporting director Max Eberl has hinted in recent weeks that a move is on the cards.

The club are reportedly stalling on the deal, despite Arsenal having submitted a bid and spoken to the player, as they are yet to find a replacement. According to German publication Rheinische Post, they are targeting a move for Bayern Munich's Sebastian Rode, who has fallen out-of-favour at the Bavarian club.

The 23-year-old midfielder's possible arrival in the coming weeks will appease Arsenal supporters, who were very vocal during the season with regards to Wenger's lack of ambition to strengthen the team, especially after injuries to key midfield players derailed their title challenge in the second half of the campaign. The French coach has made it clear that he will strengthen the squad in the summer and has confirmed that he has the complete support of the owner and board in terms of funds.