Arsenal: Granit Xhaka raises transfer fee as Juventus enter race

Granit Xhaka will not return to Arsenal after the European Championships. Everyone knows that is the case and while he remains on the books, once Switzerland are either eliminated or win the whole thing, the curtain will be drawn.

Already in the tournament there have been some standout performances from the select few members of Mikel Arteta’s squad to feature: Bukayo Saka scooped the man of the match award for his display against the Czech Republic and Kieran Tierney was superb in holding England to a goalless draw at Wembley.

For Xhaka it hadn’t been quite as smooth of a ride. Switzerland finished third in their group behind Wales and Italy and a daunting tie with world champions France awaited.

It looked like being his last official match as an Arsenal player. Talks have been ongoing with Roma since before the Euros kicked off, with a stand-off over the fee in question all that is separating an inevitable conclusion.

Arsenal: Granit Xhaka raises transfer fee as Juventus enter race for midfielder after Roma stall on summer deal despite France masterclass

Roma’s desires for a pittance at £13m (total) have been rebuffed and Arsenal want closer to £18m. After Monday night’s display, that figure doubles. Easily. Xhaka was magnificent.

It was a masterclass performance from the 28-year-old in front of the Swiss back three, pinging raking passes around the pitch to the lung-bursting runs from Steven Zuber and threading delightful through balls into deep runners like Breel Embolo.

He won fouls, duels, tackles, interceptions and even made a similarly outstanding Paul Pogba look second best on the pitch. The man of the match award was only ever going to go to one in white, outstanding curling effort or not.

Naturally, calls came from all corners for his asking price to be raised. £17m, or whatever measly fee it may be, for that? It’s unheard of. Can you really boost your valuation with one magnificent performance? You most certainly can, and Xhaka did.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t change anything in regards to Roma. The Italian club still have the player on board with all the terms agreed, and just because Xhaka proved he’s worth more than what Arsenal look set to get for him doesn’t mean I Giallorossi can conjure up money from thin air.

They’re still cash-strapped, Xhaka is still 28 and he still has two years left on his deal. The only way it can change for Arsenal is if someone else enters the fray. As per Calcio Mercato, Juventus have done just that.

Continued…

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.