Roma have begun negotiations with Arsenal for an agreement to make midfielder Granit Xhaka the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era.
Mourinho, who received his marching orders from Tottenham in April, wasted some time finding a new job and signed a deal with Roma in May that will have him replace Paulo Fonseca ahead of the new season.
He has not started work yet, but according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Mourinho wants a head start in the transfer market and has specifically requested that Xhaka be signed, which he has grown to admire during his time in England.
As 90min revealed earlier this month, Arsenal are open to the idea of using Xhaka to finance their transfer operations, and they have struck a asking price of around £ 21.5 million on the midfielder’s head.
Roma have already made it clear that they are serious about their interest in Xhaka and negotiations are underway to possibly reduce the fee. The Serie A side are keen to pay a maximum of £ 17 million, so there is still work to be done.
Mourinho has specifically requested Xhaka / Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Talks are also underway with Xhaka to try to reach an agreement on personal terms, but it is not expected to prove too problematic.
With Roma hesitating over the final transfer fee, Arsenal continue to trade Xhaka and Fabrizio Romano states that there is interest in the 28-year-old from the Bundesliga.
90min understands that Arsenal have explored the idea of using Xhaka to finance a deal for the long-term goal Denis Zakaria, who is expected to leave Xhaka’s former side, Borussia Monchengladbach, this summer.
Arsenal have explored swapping Xhaka for Zakaria / Matthias Hangst / Getty Images
Gladbach appreciates Xhaka and would be interested in bringing the Swiss compatriot back to the club, but as is always the case with player changes, things can get a little more complicated.
Roma are obviously keen to force their way to the queue and start the Mourinho era by splashing out on Xhaka, who will leave the Emirates this summer if the price is right.
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