Tiago Pinto is paying close attention as Arsenal strive to sign Arthur Melo, as the Roma CEO will look to sign Granit Xhaka in a loan transfer if the Juventus midfielder moves to England.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note Jose Mourinho still expects his Serie A side to sign a midfielder this month. The Portuguese has sought to improve his engine room during the mid-season market, but has yet found his dream addition who is within Roma’s range.
Roma have kept close tabs on Boubacar Kamara’s situation at Marseille as the Frenchman is out of contract this summer. But the Stadio Olimpico outfit now trail Manchester United and Aston Villa in any race. The Giallorossi also like Ever Banega, currently at Al-Shabab FC.
Banega can represent a lower-cost solution to Mourinho’s request and the Argentine wants a return to Europe. But Lille’s Xeka and Hoffenheim’s Florian Grillitsch are also still options.
Either name could shoot up Roma’s shortlist if Arsenal fail to sign Arthur from Juventus by Monday’s transfer deadline. But the Brazilian arriving can see Pinto revive talks for Xhaka.
Roma to revive Xhaka transfer interest if Arsenal sign Arthur from Juventus
Roma and Arsenal had discussed a transfer for Xhaka to join Mourinho’s side last summer. In the end, the Swiss stayed as the two clubs could not agree on his value and the Gunners extended his contract. Yet Arthur arriving in north London may spark doubt in Xhaka’s role.
Pinto would, therefore, revive talks with Arsenal to discuss a loan-to-buy transfer for Xhaka to move to Italy this month. The deal would feature an option for the Giallorossi to buy the 29-year-old at the end of the season. His new Gunners contract is only due to end in 2024.
Mikel Arteta may rethink Xhaka’s presence at the Emirates Stadium with Arthur also on the books. Arsene Wenger’s £35m signing in 2016 earned the fifth red card of his north London career during the Gunners’ Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg draw with Liverpool this month.
Arsenal have also agreed to cover Arthur’s £140k-a-week contract in a loan transfer from Juventus, per 90min. Additionally, Tuttosport have noted that the Gunners agreed to an 18-month loan deal, rather than the initially intended six-month transfer.
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