AS Roma are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has a €25 million price tag, this coming summer.
According to a report by reputed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Granit Xhaka is the subject of interest from AS Roma over a move in the summer transfer window. The former Arsenal captain is a player who has been specially requested by incoming manager Jose Mourinho, with the north Londoners demanding €25 million in exchange for his services.
Xhaka arrived at Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2016 and has since endured a roller-coaster of a ride at the Emirates over the past half-a-decade or so. During this period, the 28-year-old has been one of the better players for the Gunners, even though he has frustrated with his inconsistencies.
The Swiss international was even briefly promoted to the role of club captain before being stripped off captaincy following a controversial outburst directed at the fans last season. Nevertheless, Xhaka has been a regular for Arsenal, for whom he has turned out 220 times so far, with 13 goals and 20 assists to show for his efforts.
Xhaka, though, could well have played his final game for Arsenal, with the report suggesting that AS Roma are keenly pursuing a possible summer move for him. In fact, Arsenal might well be open to a trade as well, with the Premier League heavyweights having slapped a €25 million price tag on the Swiss midfielder.
The interest from AS Roma makes sense, considering several midfielders face an uncertain future at Stadio Olimpico following the arrival. It has been claimed that Ebrima Darboe, who has been on Arsenal’s radar, will be the long-term solution in the middle of the park for the Giallorossi, with Xhaka possibly being the senior presence.
The report claims that AS Roma have already reached an agreement with Arsenal over a possible €25 million deal, even though they would have preferred to have spent less than €20 million to land him. The Serie A outfit, though, are yet to agree personal terms with Xhaka, which could well prove to be a tough ask.
For now, though, it looks like AS Roma are eager to secure the services of Granit Xhaka in the summer transfer window. Arsenal, on their part, are in the market for a midfielder, with Yves Bissouma linked with them. It, therefore, remains to be seen if a €25 million switch to Serie A sees the light of the day.