Mikel Arteta and Arsenal may not be finished thinning the herd at the Emirates Stadium, as Calciomercato now report it is possible that Granit Xhaka joins Roma in a late loan transfer.
The Gunners have already offloaded four senior players during January market after selling Calum Chambers to Aston Villa on Thursday. He followed Sead Kolasinac in securing a free exit after the Bosnian joined Marseille. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Pablo Mari left on loan.
Maitland-Niles joined Roma for the rest of the season after he failed to break into Arteta’s side in north London. The versatile England international could now enjoy a quick reunion with Xhaka, who has served his two-game suspension for a second red card this season.
Jose Mourinho has long admired Xhaka and would welcome Roma targeting a late transfer for the Arsenal midfielder. The Giallorossi boss is eager to improve his engine room before the market closes on Monday, leaving Sporting Director Tiago Pinto fielding various calls.
Roma advanced their interest in Xhaka’s arrival in Rome in recent days, but Arsenal want to sign a replacement first. Pinto could seal the Swiss’ Serie A switch on loan, so long as the deal carries an obligation to buy. Any such clause would also have to reach €22m (£18m).
Arsenal stalling in possible bid to replace Roma target Xhaka
Pinto has kept tabs on Arsenal’s activity in the transfer window this month in view of taking Xhaka to Roma. Calciomercato reported earlier this week the Giallorossi chief intended to move once the Gunners loaned Juventus’ Arthur Melo. But the Brazilian’s move has stalled.
Now, The Athletic note the Emirates hierarchy have vetoed Arthur’s arrival as they refuse to sanction an 18-month deal. Technical Director Edu had agreed to a loan until the end of next season with a €40m (£33.5m) option to buy after Juventus refused a six-month move.
Arsenal failing to get Arthur or alternative transfer targets can also cost Mourinho a chance to sign Xhaka for Roma. The £35m arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 – who Arteta has called ‘phenomenal’ – had made 13 appearances in all competitions this season.
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