Granit Xhaka has agreed a contract with AS Roma and is expected to move for a fee of between €18m and €20m, according to a report.

Chris Wheatley writes that Granit Xhaka has agreed a five-year contract with AS Roma. Wheatley adds that Xhaka will become a Roma player very soon, with a fee expected to be in the region of €18-20m.

This follows reports from Italy in the last day or so suggesting a deal is close. Sky Sport Italia reporter Angelo Mangiante claimed on Thursday that the deal is almost done. John Solano reported there was strong belief the move could be completed by Friday.

RomaPress claimed earlier in the week that sources around Roma and Xhaka’s entourage have confirmed a complete agreement is edging closer. Back in England, the Evening Standard added Roma are pushing to tie up the deal before Euro 2020 begins.

Xhaka was a nailed-on starter last season, so it might be viewed as disappointing to only receive €18-20m for him.

But with two years on his deal, a clear desire from the player to leave, and the difficult current market, it’s not a terrible fee. The real test is how Arsenal reinvest that money.

The midfielder, who turns 29 in September, made 220 appearances for Arsenal in his five years with the club.