Johan Djourou

New Arsenal signing Xhaka reminds me of Pirlo, says Djourou

Published May. 29, 2016 7:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

Granit Xhaka's team-mate Johan Djourou has compared the new Arsenal signing to veteran Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Xhaka became Arsene Wenger's first major signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week when he completed a switch from German club Borussia Monchengladbach for around £30m.

And his Switzerland team-mate Djourou, who himself played for Arsenal between 2004 and 2014, gave an insight into how the 23-year-old plays.

Djourou told Sky Sports: "He's got this ability to play very long balls, very precise balls, and I always say he reminds me a bit of Pirlo, the way he plays.

"He's got the ability to play the Arsenal way. He's got this aggressiveness about him that will help him in the Premier League, and he's a great ball player and ball winner as well."

Djourou left Arsenal for Hamburg in the summer of 2014, but has nothing but fond memories of his time at Highbury and the Emirates.

The 29-year-old defender, who is part of Switzerland's squad for Euro 2016, revealed he gave Xhaka some advice about life in London and at Arsenal.

"He asked me a lot of things about London, the club, and I could only say great things about it because I had a great experience there.

"I think that the people at the club are just amazing, and those who run the club as well. I think he's going to have a great time."

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Johan Djourou

Switzerland

Granit Xhaka