In the summer transfer window two years ago, Xhaka left Arsenal for Germany and Bayern Leverkusen, where he would go onto win the Bundesliga unbeaten under Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old is expected to become the German club's record sale.

The former Ajax boss named a strong starting XI for his debut match, sticking with predecessor Xabi Alonso's title-winning 3-4-2-1 system.

Mikel Arteta's side were targeting the star despite already being close to sealing a deal for Martin Zubimendi, who last week completed a £60million transfer to the Emirates from Real Sociedad.

When Hugo Ekitike looked for all the world like he'd joined Newcastle from Stade Reims three years ago, all the chatter among those in the North East was that they were signing the 'next Thierry Henry'.