Arsene Wenger claims Xhaka is a marked man with refs

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has become an easy target for referees, Arsene Wenger believes, insisting the player’s tough-tackling reputation now precedes him.

The 24-year-old Switzerland international arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer as Wenger shelled out almost €35million to prise him away from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Despite such a fee, Xhaka found himself in and out of the Arsenal side at the beginning of the season and had only started four games before October.