Granit Xhaka is closing in on leaving Arsenal for Roma now, Football London say.
Jose Mourinho has made the Arsenal midfielder one of his top targets this summer, and it seems that a deal is now close between the two sides.
That initially will leave Arsenal short of options in midfield, as Xhaka has been such an important player under Mikel Arteta so far.
Indeed. Charles Watts reported on his Youtube channel that Arteta ‘loves’ the midfielder, even though he has sanctioned his departure.
However, it may show that the Gunners are starting to close in on additions of their own.
Arsenal have been linked with both Ruben Neves and Yves Bissouma recently, who are thought to be potential replacements for Xhaka over the long-term.
The pair are both younger than the Swiss international and could be more dynamic options.
Pressure is on
Arsenal, though, will be under pressure to replace Xhaka’s leadership qualities.
He is one of the most vocal players in the dressing room, and with David Luiz also departing, Arteta will surely have to sign a leader this summer to ensure his side aren’t lacking in that department.
Calcio Mercato say that Arsenal will sell Xhaka for around £17 million, which would boost their finances ahead of the summer transfer window officially opening.
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