With Granit Xhaka likely extending his stay in London by signing a new contract with Arsenal, Roma veer toward other options for the midfield. One of the names on Tiago Pinto’s shopping list happens to be Xhaka’s replacement in the Swiss national team, Denis Zakaria.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Roma are keeping an eye on Borussia Mönchengladbach’s defensive midfielder.
The German side’s asking price for the Swiss international is around €30 million, however Roma are hoping to lower these demands as Zakaria has only one year left on his contract.
In fact, with the contract expiring in June 2022, 24-year-old Zakaria is considered a valid alternative to Xhaka, with matching leadership skills and a strong, physical presence in the middle of the pitch.
Before opening talks with the German club, however, Roma must thin out their own names in the midfield.
It remains to be seen whether the likes of Diawara – who has refused a number of destinations already – or Villar – who has reportedly been put on the market – will be moved before the end of this window or not.
