ARSENAL are preparing to offer Granit Xhaka a shock new deal amid interest from Roma, according to reports.
The Gunners will reportedly move to extend the Swiss star’s five-year stay at the Emirates as they have not received a bid matching their valuation.
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Arsenal were open to selling the midfielder after his solid showing at Euro 2020 for Switzerland, according to the Athletic.
But having weighed up the cost of replacing the 28-year-old against the on and off-field qualities he brings to the club, Emirates chiefs have reportedly decided against letting him go.
Roma have already had a £13million bid rejected by the Gunners.
And at the end of last month, the 98-cap international all-but confirmed he wants to leave.
He said: “Arsenal know what I want to do… it is very beautiful here [in Rome].”
But Roma’s opening offer fell short of Arsenal’s valuation for Xhaka – who is contracted until 2023.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach ace was signed for £35m in 2016 so the Gunners are unwilling to sell for such a low amount.
He has two years left to run on his deal which he signed in 2018 – just months after Arsene Wenger’s exit.
And signing up to fresh terms has been described as an ‘efficient solution’ and a way of protecting his value.
The North Londoners are said to be very aware that if they neglect to extend his deal and an appropriate bid does not arrive next summer, Xhaka would command a very low fee.
And he would also be in a position to run down his contract and leave for nothing.
Xhaka has had a mixed career at the Emirates but has been a regular over the last five years, making 220 appearances in total.
He was made Arsenal captain by Unai Emery in 2019 but a high profile bust-up with the fans saw him lose that honour.
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