“What was written as a rumour in Italy on Thursday is much more than that. The fact is: AS Roma and their new coach José Mourinho absolutely want to lure Xhaka to the Eternal City. According to Blick information, the Italian club and Arsenal have started talks about a transfer.
“The Italian media reported that Roma will join with an offer of 13 million euros, while Arsenal is calling for 25. In the Corona crisis, an agreement somewhere at 18 million euros plus bonus payments seems realistic, depending on how successful AS Roma will be in the future.
“And Xhaka himself? Of course, working with José Mourinho has a certain appeal to him. In addition, at the age of almost 29, a long-term contract awaits him in Rome. For his part, Mourinho is a big fan of Xhaka and looking for stability for his new team.”
Now, I might be adding two plus two and coming up with 34, but it seems no coincidence that on the day they speak with Xhaka, they also have an article that states:
- This is definitely not a rumour
- Xhaka would like to play for Mourinho
- A long term deal is on the table
- It is hoped a deal will be struck at around €18m plus bonuses, an absolute bargain for a player who was one of Arsenal’s most important last season, who has two years left on his current contract and who cost £40.5m five years ago.
Look like if a price can be agreed, Granit Xhaka will finally be on his way from Arsenal.