Arsenal are seemingly trying to price Hertha BSC out of a move for Granit Xhaka, raising their asking price for the midfielder, according to reports in Germany.

German outlet BZ claim that after previous talks with Hertha BSC about a €25m move for Granit Xhaka, Arsenal raised the fee required to €30m. Even if the Berlin side offer the new amount, the Gunners won’t sell without a replacement.

Previously, reports suggested Hertha had agreed a loan deal with Xhaka with an option to buy. They still needed Arsenal’s agreement though, and they don’t have it yet.

BZ add that Xhaka’s camp are hoping for a final decision in the next week. Hertha are still hoping to land the player, particularly after loaning out fellow midfielder Eduard Lowen.

It’s no surprise Arsenal are playing hardball after Xhaka’s recent revival. Under Mikel Arteta, the 27-year-old is playing a key role in the team, and one that appears to suit him better. Even many of the player’s critics are coming around to him now.

Of course, many need more convincing. Neutrals like Danny Murphy (if you can call him that) still fill every second of commentary with complaints about him. If anything, that just makes Arsenal fans like him more.

Personally, I certainly don’t expect Xhaka to leave this window. Hertha will give it their best shot, but the situation has slipped away from them in Arteta’s first few weeks.