Granit Xhaka’s move from Arsenal to Roma has been ‘fossilised in a total stalemate’ despite the midfielder’s efforts to get a deal over the line.
That’s according to Il Romanista, who say it remains a matter of money between the two clubs at this point in time.
As you’ll be aware by now, Roma are very keen to sign Xhaka this summer, with new manager Jose Mourinho having made him a key signing.
They’ve been locked in negotiations with Arsenal about a move for more than a month, while the Switzerland star has already agreed on personal terms.
Indeed, he’s been pushing to make the move happen, having foregone certain bonuses owed to him by Arsenal in an attempt to smooth negotiations.
Those negotiations have been in deadlock for a while, and Il Romanista say there is currently a ‘stalemate’ in the talks, despite Xhaka waiting for nothing more than to pack his bags and make the move.
If there is no ‘acceleration’, he will have to join up with Arsenal for pre-season next week, but he doesn’t want that and would prepare for his return to the pitch to be Roma’s season opener with Fiorentina.
Roma wish to grant him that wish, but they have not ‘formalised’ their financial bid to try and reach an agreement with Arsenal.
The Gunners are continuing to ask for €20m for Xhaka, but Roma are yet to get near that and only yesterday went past €15m plus bonuses.
If they do not increase the cash part of such a deal, the move will not happen, and this would certainly not please Mourinho, who desperately wants Xhaka.
The Special One would like to have the Swiss star in a training camp in Portugal next week, but if there is no acceleration today then it seems difficult for that wish to be fulfilled.
