Arsenal close to finalising major deal as player prepares to accept terms
Arsenal are reportedly close to securing a major deal which would be one of the biggest pieces of business of their summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to reshape his squad for the 2021/22 season. Big money signing Ben White is one of three arrivals to date, alongside Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares. Meanwhile, a number of Gunners have faced potential exits.
One of those seemingly nailed on to depart north London was Granit Xhaka. The midfielder agreed personal terms with Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
However, he has lined up as captain for tonight’s Premier League opener against Brentford.
That’s because despite significant attempts from the Italian side, a fee for the Swiss international could not be agreed.
Instead, a U-turn was made and Xhaka looks set to stay at the Emirates. A new update has all but cemented this stance from the north London club.
Fabrizio Romano has tweeted Arsenal are confident a new contract for Xhaka will be signed ‘very soon’.
The Italian reports the deal will be until June 2025 and will be a pay rise for the midfielder, reinforcing previous claims.
According to the transfer guru, the 28-year-old is prepared to accept these terms. As such, the negotiations just need finalising before it is announced by the club.
This is significant move by the club and one that will secure the foreseeable future of their defensive midfield.
Xhaka’s experience will be beneficial to new boy Lokonga. The 21-year-old lines up next to him in the heart of the Arsenal midfield this evening.
Attacking midfielder next on the wishlist
Meanwhile, an out of favour Arsenal star has been tipped to bring a breakthrough in a swap deal. It would see a Bayern Munich midfielder make the switch to North London, per a report.
The Gunners have been hoping to land an attacking option to compete with Emile Smith Rowe. As such, they have been persistently linked with Martin Odegaard, Houssem Aouar and James Maddison.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath (via Football Fancast), recently revealed a move for Norwegian Odegaard is far more likely.
However, bubbling under the surface has been links with Bayern Munich’s Corentin Tolisso…
READ MORE: Arsenal outcast the unlikely solution with surprise Bayern swap mooted
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