Arsenal have given Granit Xhaka their word that he can join Roma this summer for £22million less than he cost, according to Sky Sport Italy.
The Gunners have promised the Swiss midfielder that he is free to secure a move away from the Emirates Stadium. He has already agreed the terms and length of a contract with Stadio Olimpico side and assured them that he wants to sign the deal.
But Roma have yet met Arsenal’s asking price and could rely on Xhaka’s will getting a move over the line. Jose Mourinho has marked the 28-year-old as his great goal for the transfer window after joining Roma for next season.
Xhaka hinted at his move to Roma after the Arsenal star played a leading role as Switzerland beat France at Euro 2020 on Monday night. He cannot wait to join the Giallorossi but is still waiting for the two sides to agree a fee.
Sky Sport Italy claim Arsenal have given Xhaka a ‘promise’ that he can join Roma this summer. But the Gunners want an upfront fee of no less than €15m (£13m), which the Serie A side would have preferred to pay including add-ons.
Roma bid €12m (£10.5m) with a further €3m (£2.5m) based on future clauses, which they felt was an important sum. Giallorossi chiefs note the 98-cap international’s value and age as factors driving their position. Even if Arsenal paid £35m to sign him in 2016.
But could Roma yet miss out on Xhaka with Calciomercato citing interest from Juventus in the seemingly exit-bound Arsenal player. The Turin giants view the £100,000-per-week ace as their back-up option after struggling to agree terms for Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli.
Small hurdle for Roma and Arsenal to agree Xhaka sale
The distance between Roma and Arsenal’s valuation of Xhaka represents a small hurdle before they strike a deal. All three parties seem in agreement that a transfer will happen this summer and have assured each other as much.
Arsenal will not feel any pressure to cave to Roma’s offer of £10.5m with £2.5m in add-ons, though. Xhaka was impressive in the Switzerland engine room against France to produce a Man of the Match display. He also impressed Mikel Arteta last season, so could yet stay.
The Gunners boss claimed, via The Guardian, in January that Xhaka had been ‘phenomenal’ after ‘some really important moments’. He added that it was ‘great’ for Arsenal that Xhaka was playing so well, so – added with his Euros form – could stay if Roma refuse to pay.
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