220-game title winner now ‘pushed towards’ the Emirates

Arsenal have had free agent Xeka ‘pushed in their direction’ but it would come as a shock if he were to head to the Emirates Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Gunners were not afraid to spend big during the summer window, with boss Mikel Arteta being handed close to £120million, and he could welcome players currently without a club ahead of the turn of the year.

What’s the latest news involving Xeka?

According to 90min, Arsenal are contemplating whether to strengthen their midfield with a free agent and are among a number of Premier League clubs to have been offered Xeka by his representatives.

The report suggests the Gunners have not made any firm offers yet for the 27-year-old, who previously won silverware in France, and are currently assessing their options.

It is understood that Xeka has held talks with Rennes but has delayed a final decision after some positive responses from sides in the English top flight.

The Portuguese ace has been without a club since his contract with Lille expired during the summer.

Xeka played a key role in the French outfit’s recent success, with him making 33 appearances during their Ligue 1 title-winning campaign in 2020/21 and scoring the winner as Lille beat Paris Saint-Germain to the Trophee des Champions a matter of months later.

What has Dean Jones said about Xeka?

Jones understands that Xeka’s representatives have alerted Arsenal to his availability as he searches for a fresh challenge.

However, the journalist has doubts over whether the north Londoners will take advantage because it would go against Arteta’s ethos.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I know he has been pushed in their direction while he is on the hunt for a new club.

“But, in this new Arsenal vision for the future, it would be a surprise if they just made a random signing out of the blue.”

What year did Arsenal move into the Emirates Stadium?

2002


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2008

Would Xeka be a good signing for Arsenal?

Arsenal were frustrated in the final stages of the summer transfer window as they had three deadline day bids for Douglas Luiz, with the most lucrative being worth £25million, rejected by Aston Villa.

That came after Mohamed Elneny suffered a significant injury during the win over Fulham last month, so it is clear that Arteta was keen to bolster his central midfield options.

Although Xeka would offer plenty of experience, having made 220 appearances over the course of his senior club career, he could be a risky signing.

That is because the former Braga man has not enjoyed a competitive outing since April, so it would take him plenty of time to get up to speed.

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