West Ham keen to snap up talented brother of Arsenal ace

Steely midfielder Granit Xhaka has impressed since joining Arsenal in the summer, but he could soon face the test of facing off against a familiar foe – his brother Taulant – with West Ham United interested in snapping up the 25-year-old.

The elder Xhaka is currently plying his trade with hometown club FC Basel, and helped the side lift the Swiss Super League last season, with his combination of toughness and creativity in defensive midfield catching the eye.

And he’s looked even better so far this season, chalking up five assists and notching up more than a few tough tackles for FCB, who are currently 12 points clear at the top of the Swiss Super League.

However, despite being an integral part of the Swiss heavyweights’ side, a move to the Premier League could be tough to resist for the versatile Albania international, who has all the attributes to play in one of the world’s top leagues.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic will certainly be hoping he can tempt the former Grasshoppers man to make a January switch to east London, as he looks to bolster a midfield who have struggled so far this season.

With summer arrival Havard Nordtveit having failed to impress in defensive midfield, it’s definitely an area where the Irons could strengthen, and the versatile Xhaka could also help fill the hole left by a flurry of defensive injuries at London Stadium.

Next up for West Ham is a trip to Leicester City this afternoon, with 5/2 on offer for the visitors to enjoy victory in the East Midlands.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing