ROMA reportedly remain desperate to prise Granit Xhaka away from Arsenal as Jose Mourinho steps up his interest in the midfielder.

The Swiss international was keen to link up with the Serie A side last year, but a move failed to materialise after the two clubs couldn't agree a fee.

Xhaka ended up penning a new contract at the Emirates, but his future in North London remains uncertain.

That is despite the 29-year-old starring in his new position as a No8 having been deployed in a more advanced role under Mikel Arteta in recent weeks.

According to Calciomercato, Mourinho is desperate to secure his services.

They state that the Special One's interest in the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach skipper has never gone away.

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The report adds that talks are set to resume in the summer, with Xhaka still intent on playing under the ex-Chelsea gaffer.

Should the Gunners part ways with the player, Arteta has identified a number of midfielders ready to replace him.

Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka has emerged as an option following his impressive outings for the Midlands outfit this term.

Meanwhile Lyon ace Lucas Paqueta is also believed to be on Arsenal's radar after another standout season in France.

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And SunSport exclusively revealed last month how Wolves' Ruben Neves was being eyed up in a potential £45million swoop.

The Evening Standard has named three other midfield targets, including Leicester's Youri Tielemans and Chukwuemeka's Villans-team mate Douglas Luiz.

Palmeiras youngster Danilo is another midfielder under consideration having helped the Brazilian giants win back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles.

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