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Xhaka’s Arsenal exit done, as £35m replacement gives Arteta green light

Granit Xhaka is heading to Roma after reportedly agreeing a five-year contract with the Serie A side.

The Arsenal man is set to become one of Jose Mourinho’s first signings in the Italian capital. A fee for the Swiss international is expected to be between €18m and €20m, according to Football.london.

Roma are believed to have offered around 13m initially for the 28-year-old. But the Corriere dello Sport understand that an improved fee worth around 18m, including bonuses has convinced the Gunners to sell.

There was a willingness from both sides to get a deal done ahead of Euro 2020.

Xhaka was also keen on a new challenge if last week’s remarks are anything to go by. And the combative central midfielder will look to resurrect his career in Italy under Mourinho.

Granit Xhaka has agreed a five year contract with Roma.

Fee is expected to be in the region of €18-20m.

He’ll become a Roma player very soon. #AFC

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 10, 2021

Speaking to Blick (via Goal) he said: “Honestly, I didn’t hear what Mourinho said, but that makes you proud.

“Everyone knows Mourinho and what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win trophies.

“You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.”

“Of course I read the rumours too. But now I’m one hundred per cent focused on the national team,” he said.

“That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now.

 

“I have another two years on my contract in London and at Arsenal, they know what they have in me. When the time comes and we can, may or must talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.”

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Neves wants Arsenal move

Mikel Arteta already has a replacement in mind with The Times  reporting over the weekend that Ruben Neves was his man.

The Wolves star played for an hour on Wednesday night as Portugal warmed up for Euro 2020 with a 4-0 victory over Israel.

According to The Daily Mail, the player has told some of his Wolves team-mates that would jump at the chance of a move to Arsenal.

In fact Neves has “indicated his willingness to join the north Londoners”. 

Wolves are also open to the sale of Neves with a £35m price tag on the head of the 24-year-old.

Goal claim talks have taken place about Neves, but he is not Arsenal’s only target.

Neves remains under contract until 2023, and Arsenal will push hard for a deal now Xhaka’s future has been resolved.

Arteta will be hoping to get Neves signed before Portugal kick off their their Euro 2020 bid against Hungary on Tuesday.

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READ MORE: Arsenal chief Edu eyes La Liga striker prize with release clause a tempter

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