Arsenal transfer news: Granit Xhaka scouted '30 times' so far this season

The 23-year-old has reportedly been watched on a weekly basis by members of Arsene Wenger's recruitment team

Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka (Getty Images)

Arsenal are monitoring Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka and have watched him on 30 separate occasions so far this season, according to reports.

The 23-year-old has been scouted on a weekly basis by Arsene Wenger’s recruitment team in preparation for a £30million move, according to the Daily Mirror.

Xhaka, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League, telling reporters that it was his ‘childhood dream’ to play in England’s top flight.

The Switzerland international is believed to be one of several midfielders being monitored by Arsenal, who are also reportedly looking at Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos and Southampton’s Victor Wanyama, as well as Borussia Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Gunners, however, are likely to only make one major midfield signing during the summer transfer window, according to the Mirror’s report.

Xhaka is considered to be the favourite, given the extensive scouting of him, and Arsenal have apparently approached Monchengladbach and the player’s representatives so as to ascertain the the likelihood of a transfer.

The former Basel midfielder, who tends to operate in as a deep-lying playmaker in central midfield, has scored 3 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions so far this season.