Roma are growing increasingly ‘pessimistic’ about a move for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, with talks failing to progress for the last two months.
That’s according to Corriere Dello Sport, who say the Italians will abandon their efforts this month and turn to alternatives if there is no progress.
They explain that there is ‘growing pessimism’ about bringing Xhaka to the club, with the negotiations for the midfielder not ‘breaking down’ but no progress being made in two months either.
That’s because Arsenal are ‘not budging’ from the initial request of €25m plus bonuses. Roma are willing to revise their initial offer of €15m, but they cannot find €10m more to match the Gunners’ demands.
The Switzerland star is pushing for the move to happen but has not been successful so far, despite the fact that the fact Arsenal have signed a replacement in Sami Lokonga.
Despite spending heavily, there is a belief Arsenal don’t need to cash in on Xhaka and could even be ready to offer him an extension to his current deal, which expires in 2023.
That news has taken Roma chief Tiago Pinto by surprise. He is aware of the difficulties in the negotiations, despite having an agreement with Xhaka in place since before the Euros.
He is willing to wait until mid-August to get a deal done but cannot wait forever for ‘the situation to unblock’ and will move on to other targets if Arsenal don’t start to play ball.
