Roma are in advanced negotiations with Arsenal for the transfer of midfielder Granit Xhaka

Roma and Arsenal are in advanced talks about the transfer of midfielder Granit Xhaka. Roma is said to be close to Arsenal’s value – but no sum has been agreed upon. Personal terms are not anticipated to be an issue. Xhaka was encouraged to stay at Arsenal in January 2020 by manager Mikel Arteta, with a transfer to Hertha Berlin in the works after the 28-year-old agreed terms with the Bundesliga side.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach captain, who is also admired by his previous team, is content in London and recently became a parent for the second time, but is said to be enticed by the idea of playing under new Roma manager Jose Mourinho, whom he really admires.

Since joining the Gunners from Gladbach in 2016, Xhaka has made over 200 games and established himself as a regular under former coaches Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, and now Arteta.

Mourinho publicly complimented Xhaka two years ago and is a big fan of the seasoned midfielder, and he has tried to sign the Basel native on several times.

“Xhaka is the main man in the entire Arsenal midfield, you can’t see it unless I lend you one of my eyes,” he said.

The Gunners have informed Roma that the starting point for negotiations will be £20 million, with two years remaining on Xhaka’s current contract, and they are eager to finalize any trade before he departs for the Euro 2020 tournament with Switzerland in less than a fortnight.

Matteo Guendouzi is also expected to leave Arsenal in the coming weeks, with Marseille being the frontrunner to recruit the French midfielder. Lucas Torreira, who wants to leave Arsenal permanently this summer, is expected to join Xhaka and Guendouzi.

Currently, Xhaka is with Switzerland, preparing to do well in Euros. How far do you think Switzerland can reach?

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