AS Roma could move for Granit Xhaka in the summer as Jose Mourinho remains eager to sign the Arsenal midfield lynchpin.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, AS Roma could make a move for Granit Xhaka in the summer window, with Jose Mourinho still keen on recruiting one of his long-term midfield targets. The Serie A side failed in their attempts to sign the Swiss star last year, but he remains firmly in their plans for the future.
Granit Xhaka’s links to Roma refuse to go away. The Italian side are once again being credited with interest in the midfielder as Mourinho hopes to get his man next summer. The Portuguese manager considers the Arsenal star key to his plans for the future and hence remains keen.
Xhaka is considered one of the most important players at Arsenal, and the club have shown their willingness to continue their relationship. Over the five and a half years the midfielder has been at the Emirates, he has been a sure starter under every manager ranging from Arsene Wenger to Mikel Arteta.
Last summer, Roma tried hard to sign the midfielder, although their offer remained well below Arsenal’s valuation. They were relentless in their pursuit, with the Gunners showing a readiness to deal with the Italians. However, Arteta was prepared to keep the midfielder if a sale collapsed.
When the transfer fell through, Arsenal were quick to offer Xhaka a new contract along with a modest pay rise. The new deal certainly cemented the Swiss midfielder’s future at the club. Despite that, the north Londoners could be open to a sale next summer if a reasonable offer arrives, especially after securing his value with the extension.
Roma were expected to reignite their interest in January, although Arsenal showed no inclination towards discussing a move in the winter window.
The Italian side signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a six-month loan from Arsenal, and they are expected to come back for Xhaka in the summer. Mourinho is keen to add the Swiss midfielder and integrate him for the next few years at the club.
The Portuguese tactician considers Xhaka a solid option to improve the squad’s quality and bring about success at the Serie A side. It will be a tricky affair to convince Arsenal to part ways with him next summer, as the midfielder has solidified his position in Arteta’s team this season.
It remains to be seen if Roma are successful in their attempts to prise Xhaka away. Arsenal will likely look for a replacement before sanctioning the sale of the Swiss midfielder, with a move for Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz believed to be in the works.
