Arsenal can help Granit Xhaka secure Chelsea move with midfielder deal - verdict

Arsenal may have a role to play as Chelsea look to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland in the transfer window.

The Blues are reportedly keen on adding more experience to their ranks and Xabi Alonso wants to reunite with the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder in SW6.

At the moment, the Wearside outfit apparently have no intention of selling their captain despite the Switzerland international's willingness to join the London club.

That's where Arsenal could potentially come in, with Mikel Merino certainly the perfect replacement for Xhaka if he were to leave the Stadium of Light.

The 33-year-old's passing range and leadership skills have arguably made a big difference at the Black Cats, but the ex-Real Sociedad star is someone capable of replicating those attributes.

Mikel Arteta wouldn't want to directly or indirectly help a London rival, but with the Spanish manager said to be looking to bolster his engine room this summer, the Spain international's exit may be on the cards.

Granit Xhaka transfer latest at Sunderland

Sunderland are adamant that Xhaka isn't for sale, with Chelsea holding talks with the midfielder's representatives as Switzerland prepare to face Algeria in the World Cup's last 32.

BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella revealed on 27 June that it's unclear how much the Blues are willing to spend on the veteran star.

Fabrizio Romano shared on 28 June that Xhaka has reached an agreement with the London club on personal terms and he's pushing for a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Black Cats paid around £17.3million for the Swiss midfielder last summer and his current contract at the Stadium of Light runs until 2028.

Where Newcastle United come into equation over Granit Xhaka's future

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared in May that Arsenal were interested in Sandro Tonali, who could leave Newcastle United for £80m this summer.

The Italy international's move to the Emirates Stadium would only increase competition in the middle of the park at the Gunners, with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard Arteta's preferred options.

Tonali's move to North London could open the door for Merino to leave, setting off a transfer domino.