Granit Xhaka has been tipped to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma after the Italian side lodged an improved bid for the midfielder, as per reports in Calciomercato.
The Swiss international has been an indispensable player in Mikel Arteta’s team having played 45 games across all competitions this season. He also played at full-back providing versatility to the squad.
According to Calciomercato, Mourinho is a great admirer of the midfielder and is keen on signing him. Roma had made a bid of £12.95m(€15m) for Xhaka which was quickly dismissed by the north Londoners who value him at around £25 million.
The report further claims that the Giallorossi have submitted a second bid worth around £17.26m(€20m) and the Italian club are hopeful an agreement can be reached soon. Roma are also working on a swap deal involving Cengiz Under and Amadou Diawara just to make the deal more attractive, with Mourinho considering the duo to be surplus to requirements.
The midfielder is keen on the move and has already agreed personal terms on a four-year deal. Standard are also claiming that a deal could be finalized this week.
Xhaka himself has not ruled out a move away when he spoke to the media a few weeks back. Talking to Swiss publication Blick, he said:
“Of course I read [about the interest]. But now I’m one 100 per cent focused on the national team here.
“That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.”
He added:
“To be honest, I didn’t hear what Mourinho has said about me. But that makes you proud. Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles.”
Arsenal Fever View:
Arsenal signed Xhaka from Borussia Mönchengladbach for a fee of around £30–35 million in 2016. Due to the price tag, there were high expectations of the midfielder but he has never lived up to expectations.
The Swiss international has shown glimpses of quality over the years but has never managed to provide that consistently. This transfer window presents them with a perfect opportunity to cash in on the midfielder and reinforce their midfield options.
