Arsenal finally announced the signing of their first summer recruit on Wednesday when they made the Granit Xhaka deal official.

Speaking to the media in Switzerland, the midfielder revealed that he had first been contacted by Arsenal last summer and it seems that our reported interest in him back them was very real indeed.

So the transfer which was completed in May 2016 actually began life in 2015.

Here’s how it seems to have unfolded according to further reports in Switzerland:

  • Summer 2015 – Arsene Wenger speaks to Xhhaka for the first time, as confirmed by the player himself.
  • November 2015 – Arsenal make their interest in Xhaka official
  • March 2016 – Parties hold decisive meeting to discuss transfer. This took place in London with Xhaka’s lawyers talking to Arsenal reps. Borussia Monchengladbach gave their approval for these talks.
  • Friday, 20th May 2016 – Xhaka arrives at Arsenal and signs his contract (confirmed by the player).
  • Saturday, 21st May 2016 _ Photos of Xhaka taking part in his official Arsenal photoshoot are leaked, allegedly by his girlfriend.
  • Wednesday, 25th May 2016 – Arsenal announce Xhaka signing with a cheeky little tweet

So. There you go.

And if you’re wondering how to pronounce his name, here’s the man himself giving you a helping hand:

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/735430873919557632

Someone send that to Sky and BT Sports. Cheers.