Granit Xhaka’s long-awaited move from Arsenal to Roma is all but a foregone conclusion as the Gunners continue to play hardball on the player’s price tag. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Premier League giants insist on their €20million valuation while the Giallorossi hope to bring down the price.
Xhaka has been heavily linked with a move to the Stadio Olimpico ever since Jose Mourinho arrived at the helm. Although the Roma hierarchy keeps the Swiss midfielder in high esteem and wants to make him their marquee summer signing, negotiations with Arsenal are progressing very slowly.
After enduring a torrid time under Unai Emery, the 28-year-old has again soaked up the limelight as Arsenal’s driving force from the center of the park under Mikel Arteta. He has recovered his place in the starting line-up since the Spaniard took over the reins, establishing himself as one of the Gunners’ most consistent performers back last season.
Moreover, Xhaka was an absolute star for Switzerland at Euro 2020, reeling off a series of eye-catching displays as his side overcame France in the Round of 16. The playmaker’s remarkable showings at the final tournament have prompted Arsenal to consider keeping the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach man on board beyond the summer.
Elsewhere, Mourinho remains hopeful of pairing Xhaka up with Lorenzo Pellegrini in the heart of his midfield next season. The Portuguese manager is hell-bent on putting his stamp on the Roma squad and wants the Swiss metronome to headline the arrivals.
Though the deal looked to be on the verge of completion, Roma will have to increase their bid if they are to lure Xhaka away from the Emirates Stadium. The Giallorossi are not giving up hopes of bringing the midfielder to Serie A, but there’s a feeling that Arsenal will have to lower their demands to facilitate the deal.