Arsenal are confident of making Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka their first major summer signing but the two clubs remain some way from agreeing a fee.
It is believed that the German side are demanding £35 million for the 23-year-old but the Gunners have indicated they are as yet unwilling to match that figure.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed at the beginning of the month that the club were only just beginning to draw up a list of potential targets but Xhaka has been on their radar for some time having scouted him on several occasions this season.
Xhaka is expected to leave Germany this summer and given the player’s preference for a move to England, Arsenal believe they are in pole position to secure a deal.
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Contrary to previous reports, Xhaka’s contract is understood to contain a release clause which is set at 25m euros but it does not come into force until 2017, meaning Arsenal will have to pay a premium if they are to land him this summer.
Negotiations are ongoing, however, and Wenger is determined to complete the deal before Euro 2016 begins as he rebuilds Arsenal’s midfield with Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini all set to leave the club, as Standard Sport revealed in November.
