Transfer Centre

Granit Xhaka 'on verge of Arsenal exit'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 09 June 2021

Granit Xhaka edges closer to a transfer from Arsenal to Roma after giving incoming manager Jose Mourinho his word, according to a report.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is edging closer to a move to Roma, according to a report.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man earned the trust of Mikel Arteta following his outburst towards supporters against Crystal Palace during Unai Emery's reign, but he has continued to divide opinion within the Arsenal fanbase since his revival.

Xhaka was an integral cog in Arteta's system last term with 31 appearances in the Premier League - 29 of them starts - but he only amassed one goal and two assists in top-flight action as Arsenal failed to qualify for Europe.

The Switzerland international has since been strongly linked with a transfer to Roma, and Calciomercato claims that he is now on the brink of a move to the Serie A giants.

The report adds that Xhaka has already rejected the advances of another Serie A side in order to move to Roma, and he has given incoming manager Jose Mourinho his word ahead of the imminent transfer.

Xhaka would therefore leave Arsenal having made 220 appearances and scooped two FA Cups since 2016, and he will get a taste of his new surroundings when Switzerland travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face Italy in Euro 2020 later this month.