Arsenal: Granit Xhaka raises transfer fee as Juventus enter race

Could Juventus Sign Granit Xhaka From Arsenal?

Interesting or opportunistic? Well, as per the report, there is still distance between Roma and Arsenal on how much Xhaka is worth. Everything is agreed between the player and Jose Mourinho’s side, while he’s also relayed his desires to the Gunners who are ready to move on, but without a valuation being met there is no deal to strike.

Xhaka has always had admirers, but Monday’s memorable win and performance was worthy and standing up and taking note.

Juventus are circling around the operation and their interest is real, as a proposed deal to take Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo is proving more troublesome than expected. Interestingly, Locatelli is someone Arteta’s men have been tracking and enquired about, as confirmed by The Athletic. He would be welcomed with open arms in north London.

While Xhaka wants to move to Roma, the longer this distance remains, the less patient all parties will be. It’s stated that the latest offer from the Italian side amounted to €12m + €3m in bonuses, which it is the understatement of the year to class as a pathetic offer.

Arsenal want €20m up front in cash.

With Locatelli thought to cost around €40m, Xhaka, while much older, would cut a distinctly better deal financially. Serie A will suit him perfectly.

How serious is Juventus’ interest and are these links closer to being opportunistic in putting the trending name together with a major club?

Frankly, even if it’s just agent talk or Edu putting the feelers out elsewhere, Arsenal benefit from this. If it’s all a smokescreen to make Roma cough up and actually pay something relatively close to what Xhaka should go for then it’s worth it.

If Roma are still short of €5m then force them to sell someone, or Xhaka will go somewhere where they’ll pay up. From Arsenal’s point of view, it’s win-win with the midfielder desire clear.