Granit Xhaka’s move to Roma has hit a significant roadblock with the Serie A club unable to agree a fee.
He has been linked with a move to the Italian capital since the start of the transfer window, but they are currently unwilling to meet the Gunners’ £17 million valuation for the Swiss captain.
The 28-year old has already agreed personal terms with Jose Mourinho’s side, but the move is on hold as the wrangling continues.
He is still away on holiday after laying for his country at the Euros, but is then due to return for pre-season with Arsenal until the move can be resurrected in some form.
Although he still has two years left in his current contract at the Emirates, he is open to a new challenge, whilst Arsenal are already planning for life without him. Albert Lokonga has been signed from Anderlecht, and the club are looking at other midfield reinforcements as well.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.