Experienced defender Per Mertesacker has hailed Arsenal newcomer Granit Xhaka as a perfect signing and believes the Swiss international will play a pivotal role in the side.
The 23-year-old moved to the North London club in May from German outfit Borussia Mochengladbach in a deal worth £33m.
"Xhaka will set the tempo - he is the perfect signing." @Mertesacker on @Arsenal's new boy: https://t.co/Yznn9jKpA1 pic.twitter.com/peoKB4scul
And German centre-back Mertesacker believes that the midfielder will be vital in dictating the tempo of Arsene Wenger's side.
The 31-year-old told the official "?Arsenal website: "I don't know him personally but that doesn't matter, we will get along with each other very quickly because he is a good player and has done so much for Borussia Monchengladbach.
"He can speak German as well, so it will be joy to get his first year going and help him bed in as a player.
"He's a leader and that is really important, especially in midfield. He has got a very good attitude, is very composed on the ball and contributes a lot.
"He is a good passer as well, so he will set the tempo. I am looking forward to how he does it, how composed he will be in training and in the games. He will be the perfect signing for us."
Like i said, Granit Xhaka today with Arsenal Kosovo Supporters Fans. pic.twitter.com/ayeZoG6fWg
Xhaka has already familiarised himself with some of the Gunners' supporters having travelled to Kosovo last week in order to accept a gift on behalf of his new boss Arsene Wenger and to meet the small European nation's Arsenal Supporters Branch.
The former Basel player also featured for Switzerland at this year's Euro 2016, however saw his side exit the competition in an unfortunate fashion as they lost to Poland on penalises in the round of the last-16.
Xhaka will now travel with the rest of the Arsenal squad as they journey to America to face-off against an MLS All-Stars side in preparation for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
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