Newcastle United to rival AC Milan for former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka?

Newcastle United have reportedly joined AC Milan in the race to sign former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka ahead of the January transfer window.

The Switzerland international was stripped of the captaincy last month following an angry outburst towards the club's support during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Unai Emery has since omitted Xhaka from the Arsenal squad, with the club set to sanction the midfielder's departure from the Emirates in January.

According to The Telegraph, Steve Bruce's side are interested in signing the player on a loan basis should he desire to remain in the Premier League.

Reports have claimed that Milan are favourites to sign Xhaka, who is said to have already started his search for a home in the Italian city.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, top scorer for the Gunners this season, has since been instated as the club's new permanent captain.