Arsenal: 4 summer transfers close to being completed

3. Granit Xhaka

Interested clubs: Roma, Borussia Monchengladbach
Rumoured fee: €20m-€25m

Having shot to prominence, this one has since gone a bit cold. The calm before the storm, most likely. Or just hopefully.

Wherever he goes, it looks increasingly likely that Arsenal will be bidding farewell to Granit Xhaka this summer. Convinced to stay by Arteta three windows ago, the likelihood is that it was agreed under the impression that when the time was right to depart, he’d be allowed to do so. This definitely feels like the time.

Jose Mourinho, of all people, is the man who is closest to granting the Swiss his wish having long admired the player – a feeling that is mutual. Xhaka would suit Serie A down to a tee and one can effortlessly envisage him in a Mourinho side.

It’s all about agreeing on a fee now. Roma have tested the water with a derisory opening bid of €13m as Arsenal hold out for €20m+ with add-ons. Given the desires of all parties this one should be concluded soon enough, predominantly since Xhaka wants his future wrapped up before Euro 2020 kicks off.

Arsenal also need to sew this one up quickly given such an key member of the starting lineup, let alone the squad, has to be replaced and upgraded accordingly. After a lull in the reporting of this, an update is overdue.