According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has agreed on personal terms with AS Roma and is pushing for a move to the Italian capital.
The 28-year-old joined the north London club back in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach. The midfielder has made 220 appearances in all competitions over the past five years, scoring 13 goals in this period. During this time, he assisted the Emirates club in winning a couple of Cup competitions.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Roma are preparing a new bid for the Switzerland international. The Italian giants are growing confident that a deal can be agreed upon after agreeing on personal terms with Xhaka.
Romano further claims that after securing the signature of Albert Sambi Lokonga, Arsenal are open to selling their midfielder who is personally pushing for a move to the Serie A.
AS Roma are preparing their new bid to sign Granit Xhaka. They’re now feeling confident as personal terms are agreed, Xhaka is pushing to join Roma as priority… and he knows how strongly Mourinho wants him 🔴🇨🇭 #ASRoma #AFC
Arsenal are open to sell Xhaka after signing Lokonga.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2021
The Giallorossi are pursuing the Gunners midfielder for quite some time now, however, they are yet to meet the north London club’s asking price, with the Swiss still having two years remaining on his current contract.
Arsenal Fever View:
Following Lokonga’s arrival, cashing in on Xhaka and investing the money in the other areas will be a shrewd decision by Arsenal. The 28-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract and this summer will provide the perfect opportunity for the Emirates club to generate some cash.
The midfielder can pass through the lines, has an eye for long balls, and can shoot from distance. However, the lack of athleticism has been an issue for him to adapt to the Premier League’s high-intensity nature.
The 28-year-old has been accused of being ill-disciplined and error-prone during his time in north London. The midfielder was also involved in an argument with the Emirates faithful during a match against Crystal Palace.
However, his leadership qualities will certainly be missed in the dressing room if he is to leave the club. Following the departure of David Luiz and Xhaka, Mikel Arteta will be short of leaders in his current squad. They are not linked with any natural leader either to help out a young squad. This might be an issue going forward for the Spanish boss, without a leader the north London club might struggle next season, despite bringing on new faces.
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