Arsenal: Jose Mourinho eyes shock Granit Xhaka transfer

The summer transfer window is in full swing. If ever there were any doubts over the seriousness of what was to come for Arsenal, the amount of players already linked with exits proves it. The latest sees Jose Mourinho eye Granit Xhaka as his first signing after taking the Roma job.

Central midfield is set for the biggest overhaul of all. Everyone in that area excluding Thomas Partey is being linked with a departure.

Dani Ceballos has bid farewell to the club after two seasons on loan; Joe Willock could be made available for sale for anywhere up to £30m; Ainsley Maitland-Niles doesn’t feature in Mikel Arteta’s plans; Mohamed Elneny is in the final year of his deal; Matteo Guendouzi will leave; Lucas Torreira will depart; Granit Xhaka is interesting European sides.

Indeed, the Swiss midfielder – one of Arsenal’s best players since Christmas – is at a career crossroads. Convinced of staying in north London by Arteta in the 2019/20 winter window, the midfielder has since produced his best form in red and white and won over a swathe of beleaguered fans.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1397885671491182594

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka in transfer talks with Jose Mourinho and Roma over summer window deal for £18m

Another one on a long list of players entering the final two years of their deals, Xhaka is turning 29 in September and has a decision to make over whether he feels a fresh challenge would suit this stage of his career. Despite his marmite standing among supporters there will always be interest in him, although few expected that to come from Jose Mourinho.

As per Gianluca Di Marzio and picked up by Fabrizio Romano, Roma have set their sights on their own summer of activity. In truth, he’d suit a Mourinho system very well.

Talks have already began with both parties as Arsenal seek to secure €25m for the Switzerland captain. Roma have given their full backing to Mourinho and are intent on securing his man, with discussions underway with the player to convince him of the project.

It’s added that they believe a deal of €20m plus bonuses should wrap up the transfer, although there is interest from Germany too which may suit Xhaka’s desires better.

What should Arsenal do?

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