Arsenal man remains club’s ‘main goal’ in last few days of January – ‘Complex operation’ to be worked on

Roma are preparing a ‘new lunge’ for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after their failed attempt to get him in the summer.

That’s according to Corriere Dello Sport, who say the Swiss midfielder remains Jose Mourinho’s ‘main goal’ to strengthen his midfield.

They tried to get a deal done in the summer but couldn’t agree on a figure with Arsenal, leading to Xhaka signing a new contract at the Emirates instead.

Roma have since signed Sergio Oliveira, a move that it was felt would end their long-running pursuit of Xhaka.

Corriere, though, say otherwise and report that the Arsenal man ‘remains in Rome’s plans’ for the last few days of the January transfer window and then June if they can’t get a deal over the line.

According to their information, Roma chief Tiago Pinto ‘could return to the office’ and try to take advantage of Xhaka’s ‘not very happy situation’ with Arsenal at present.

The Gunners are looking to add another midfielder to their squad, which would push him down the pecking order, while relations between the Switzerland star and Mikel Arteta are ‘not idyllic’.

That could open the door to a transfer this month, although they only have four days to set up what would be a ‘complex operation’.

In fact, Corriere state that it would be easier for the Serie A side to ‘set the stage’ for June by working to get Xhaka’s approval for a move once again.

They will, though, look to see if a deal this month is possible first.