Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has “already said yes” to Roma’s contract offer, and he is closing in on a move to Italy, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website report that the Swiss international has agreed a four-year deal with the Serie A club, worth €2.5m a season (around £41,500 a week).

Roma remain locked in talks with Arsenal about the transfer fee. The Giallorossi are believed to have lowered the Gunners’ demands from €25m (£21.6m) to €17.5m (£15m) and there is now said to be a “minimal” difference between the two sides.

The London club are expected to reinvest the money straight away in Xhaka’s replacement. There are currently two names being considered; Wolves’ Ruben Neves, who is free to leave Molineux for £35m this summer, and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

We reported on Arsenal’s interest in the Belgian last week and it is now believed the 21-year-old is the main alternative to Neves.