Arsenal told to watch Portugal so Edu can scout £21.6m ‘global superstar’ Granit Xhaka successor

Beyond Arsenal looking to sign a striker, or two, in the summer, the central midfield position continues to be a key point of focus. Only Sambi Lokonga arrived in the summer despite a protracted pursuit of more senior targets.

Arsenal were in the race for Manuel Locatelli, however, the club was beaten once again by Juventus. Instead, to many fans’ frustration, Granit Xhaka stayed and the young Belgian was the only reinforcement.

However, Xhaka has been very good this season. Frankly, he has been a standout for the last two seasons and performed above new signing Thomas Partey for the majority of 2020/21. Finding a replacement for him will need to happen in the near future, but it is a testament to the Swiss international’s contribution how difficult a task this will prove to be.

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With the international break upon us, it provides a chance to get a better look at what players are flourishing beyond just their clubs. The World Cup play-offs kick off tonight with Portugal facing Turkey. The winner will play either Italy or North Macedonia in the play-off final.

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has pulled out of the squad and his replacement should be getting on Arsenal’s radar. Porto midfielder Vitinha, a name that should be recognisable to Premier League fans, took his compatriot's place in Fernando Santos’ squad.

Vitinha joined Wolves from Porto on loan in a deal which the east midlands club decided against triggering the £17 million option. This has since been widely criticised.

Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert tweeted in December