Back to the United States Newsfeed

Roma director claims Xhaka wanted out of Arsenal but saw Emirates Stadium exit blocked

Tiago Pinto says missing out on the Swiss midfielder is his biggest "regret" of the summer, but claims positive business was done at Stadio Olimpico

Roma director Tiago Pinto claims Granit Xhaka wanted to leave Arsenal but had his Emirates Stadium exit blocked and a new contract put on the table.

The Switzerland international midfielder was expected to head out of north London this summer, the 28-year-old making no secret of his desire to take on a new challenge.

It appeared as though he would link up with Jose Mourinho at Stadio Olimpico, but no deal was done and Arsenal eventually tied Xhaka down on fresh terms.