Report explains exactly when £100,000-a-week man is expected to leave Arsenal

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Roma expect to sign Granit Xhaka in time for the Arsenal midfielder to join Jose Mourinho’s squad for the second phase of their pre-season schedule, per Corriere dello Sport.

Players have begun to return to the Serie A outfit ahead of the new campaign as Mourinho begins to make his mark in Rome. The Giallorossi endured a disappointing season under Paulo Fonseca last term, and will be keen for the Portuguese to now return them to Europe.

Roma finished seventh, 15 points behind Napoli in the Europa League spot and a further point shy of Champions League football. It was their lowest finish in nine years, and hope Xhaka can play his part in their comeback campaign.

Xhaka has already reached an agreement with Roma to join the Italian outfit from Arsenal this summer. His deal with the Giallorossi is secure, but the two sides are still to agree on a fee.

A deal is close, but the Stadio Olimpico outfit are yet to meet the fee the Gunners have set. Sky Sport Italy have claimed Arsenal will sell Xhaka for a fixed price of €15m (£13m), but Roma offered €12m (£10.5m) with a further €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons.

Xhaka, for his part, has asked Arsenal and Roma to speed up negotiations so that he can move to Rome. And the Giallorossi hope to have the £100,000-per-week midfielder signed in time for the second phase of their pre-season plans.

Mourinho wants those on international duty to join the rest of the Roma squad in Portugal after Euro 2020 finishes. The Italian side will give those representing their countries a short break to recharge after the tournament, before hitting the ground hard.

Only a matter of time before Arsenal sell Xhaka to Roma

It is surely only a matter of time before Arsenal and Roma will agree on a fee for Xhaka. The Switzerland international has told Mourinho he will join the Serie A side, per Calciomercato.

And Arsenal hardly seem too eager to keep Xhaka at the Emirates for next season as talks continue with Roma. But the distance between the two clubs’ positions must come down for the 28-year-old to depart for the Stadio Olimpico.

The move is dragging on longer than either Arsenal, Roma or Xhaka will prefer. All parties would surely favour a quick resolution so they can begin the next phase of their futures.