At one point, midfielder Granit Xhaka looked all set to join AS Roma but the Italians are yet to reach an agreement with Arsenal.
According to Inside Futbol, Arsenal are not willing to drop their original asking price of €20 million and multiple attempts to convince the Premier League side have failed so far.
They cite Italian reports: “The Italian giants have held talks with Arsenal in an attempt to agree a deal for the Switzerland international, who Jose Mourinho wants in his squad for next season.
“They have yet to be able to find common ground with Arsenal though and, according to Italian daily Il Tempo, the Gunners are refusing to budge from their €20m asking price.
“It is claimed that Arsenal want to bring in the full €20m in order to help finance their signings.”
Can AS Roma get their hands on Granit Xhaka?
Granit Xhaka had been a pretty average player for Arsenal during the 2020-21 season so Mikel Arteta should not have a problem in letting him leave.
But, the manager will need to bring in an apt replacement before the new campaign kicks off which is why the club are not ready to drop their asking price below €20 million.
TransferMarkt values the Swiss international at €22 million and his ongoing deal expires in the summer of 2023 so Arsenal have made a very fair demand.
Mikel Arteta is planning a major overhaul of his first-team squad which is why Roma were hoping to get a bargain deal for Granit Xhaka. But now this firmness from the Gunners is really hindering Mourinho’s transfer plans.
We are not sure if Jose has a plan b should he fail to sign the Swiss international but as things stand, AS Roma have no other option but to cough up €20 million for the 28-year-old.
