Roma boss Jose Mourinho is one step away from completing a long-anticipated move for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the Swiss playmaker could team up with the Giallorossi as early as next week to travel with the squad to pre-season training camp in Portugal.
Xhaka and Roma have already found an agreement over personal terms as Mourinho looks to build his midfield around the £100,000-a-week star. Although the Italians’ initial bid for the 28-year-old fell well short of Arsenal’s €20million asking price, the sides are now on the cusp of striking a deal.
Indeed, the Giallorossi are ready to fork out €15m with €3m in the form of add-ons to convince the Gunners to green-light the move. Negotiations are progressing rapidly, with Xhaka expected to link up with his new teammates ahead of Roma’s trip to Portugal for off-season preparations next week.
Mourinho sees the Switzerland captain as an upgrade on Jordan Veretout and Amadou Diawara and wants to pair him up with Lorenzo Pellegrini in the heart of Roma’s midfield.
Despite having some disciplinary issues during Unai Emery’s stint in London, Xhaka has regained his indispensable status under Mikel Arteta. The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach playmaker was one of the Spaniard’s most trusted allies last season, playing his part in 31 of Arsenal’s 38 Premier League fixtures.
Xhaka was nothing short of outstanding for Switzerland at Euro 2020, helping his side oust the 2018 World Cup winners France in the first knock-out round. Though the Swiss’ European Championship journey ended in the quarter-finals to Spain, the left-footed playmaker was one of the most eye-catching players at the tournament.
Arsenal have already landed a long-term replacement for Xhaka. The 21-year-old starlet Albert Sambi Lokomba arrived from Anderlecht in a deal worth around €17.5m. However, a more high-profile is needed if the Gunners want to replace their long-serving stalwart.