Arsenal will offer Granit Xhaka as bait to land Borussia Monchengladbach’s midfield sensation Denis Zakaria.
The Swiss has been in superb form for the German club who currently occupy top spot in the Bundesliga.
They are fighting off interest from several of European football’s big-hitters for the 22-year-old.
Xhaka is set to leave the Gunners in January after a public falling-out with the club which has seen him stripped of the captaincy.
Steve Bruce would take the Swiss international on Tyneside but a move back to the club where he made his name will appeal to the midfielder.
Any deal would depend on Arsenal having first refusal on Zakaria next summer if Monchengladbach decide to cash in.
Xhaka appeared to take a pop at Gunners supporters on social media during the international break.
A post on his Instagram could be translated as: "Happiness is when you are satisfied with yourself and don't need the confirmation of others."
Whatever happens in Xhaka's future, Gunners legend Patrick Vieira believes that he has been unfairly treated by fans and deserves more respect.
"I feel sorry for him because he's going through a really different period and really difficult time at Arsenal ," Vieira said. "But I think we have to remind ourselves that he's achieved a lot since he's (been) at Arsenal and he deserves a lot of respect.
"When you're a player and don't perform the way you expect, you get frustrated about yourself. And sometimes you say things or do things you regret.
"I find it really difficult a lot of ex-footballers have jumped on him and being really negative towards him - it's too too easy.
"I know how good he is and he will come through this difficult period because he's a strong man, he's a good player. And he will show how good he is.''
