Move to AS Roma gaining momentum for Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka

Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka may soon call time on his tenure in north London as increased links to a move to Serie A club AS Roma continue to gain steam.

Roma are in talks to sign Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 27, 2021

According to reports from Sky Sports via Sky in Italy, as well as Gianluca Di Marzio, the Arsenal and Swiss International midfielder could be in line for a change of scenery after a tenure with the Premier League giant that is sure to go down as contentious. During a spell in the Premier League that has divided opinion in the Gunners fanbase, Xhaka is a key figure both on the pitch and in the dressing room since the upturn in form for the club since boxing day.

Arsenal is rumored to want somewhere in the region of 20-to-25million pounds for the former Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Basel midfielder, though reports have suggested that Roma are looking to layout only about half that fee while also including bonuses into whatever deal may be struck between the two clubs.

Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (R) has this shot saved during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 9, 2021. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

It could be an excellent time for both the player and the club to part ways despite his performances under Arteta for most of the 2020-21 season, which backed by data, suggest that Xhaka has been one of Arsenal’s better performers. Now twenty-eight (twenty-nine come September), Xhaka may no longer fit the direction the club plan to take under Arteta from a tactical standpoint as any and all business this summer is expected to target a real attempt at molding the squad in Arteta’s full image.

Mikel Arteta had previously revealed that he had to convince Xhaka to remain at the club in the wake of a 2019-20 season that included a full separation between the player and the fanbase after storming off the pitch against Crystal Palace. A slow start in 2020-21, which plagued everyone at the club, was met with improvement, however, and should he decide to switch the English capital for the eternal city, how Arsenal replace the midfield maestro will be a tricky matter to negotiate during the upcoming summer window.