José Mourinho wants to bolster the Roma midfield with at least one more piece, and the management is trying to acquire Grant Xhaka from Arsenal. The two teams are still far apart in the negotiation: the Gunners have put a €25M price tag on the Swiss international, while the Giallorossi are offering €10/12M plus add-ons. The Italian side is also discussing the contract with his representatives, Sky Sport reports.
Two years ago, the Portuguese coach praised Xhaka: “He is the most important player in the entire Arsenal midfield, they would be lost without him. He is a true leader.” He moved from Borussia Moenchengladbach to London for €40M in 2016. He is coming off a season where he has racked up 45 appearances across all competition, scoring once and providing two assists.
Roma are looking at multiple options to solidify that area of the pitch. Nemanja Matic was mentioned among the early candidates after the appointment of the Special One. However, he is a difficult target because of his high wages, La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates.
Mourinho is also very high on Marcel Sabitzer, who is the target of multiple rich sides. He has just a year left on his contract, which comprises a €50M release clause, but he could transfer for less if he did not extend it shortly. The Giallorossi will make an attempt by inserting Justin Kluivert in the deal, whom the German club is considering buying following a loan spell. Tottenham and Liverpool are also eyeing the Austrian midfielder.