Arsenal still feel that AS Roma have to pay up if they want Granit Xhaka, despite reports in Italy that a deal is getting closer.

In recent days, the Italian media have been growing more confident that AS Roma are set to land Granit Xhaka from Arsenal. Di Marzio were one of the outlets to report that Roma were hoping to conclude the deal in the next few days.

Charles Watts doesn’t believe a deal is so close. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he suggested Roma still need to raise their offer.

“Lots of talks in Italy that the deal is getting closer and closer,” Watts said. “From what I understand, it’s still not a done deal.

“I was speaking to someone yesterday about this and the feeling at Arsenal is still very much they (Roma) have just got to pay up. They’ve got to pay the money. We’re not going to give Granit Xhaka away for cheap.”

Fabrizio Romano did report that AS Roma are preparing a new bid to sign the Swiss midfielder, adding that they’ve already agreed personal terms with the player, who is pushing to join the club, so they’re feeling confident about completing the transfer.

But there’s no evidence this new bid will meet the €20m asking price Arsenal are holding out for.

Arsenal initially turned down a €15m bid from Roma earlier in the summer, and the suggestion from RomaPress at the time was that they didn’t intend to raise their offer. As yet, there’s nothing to suggest the Serie A club are bridging the valuation gap.

With Arsenal’s trip to Florida cancelled, Xhaka is only a couple of days away from a potential reunion with Mikel Arteta’s squad. By Friday, July 23rd, Xhaka’s three-week post-Euros holiday will be up.