Roma’s ‘ideal’ signing would Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer but they will have to negotiate down Arsenal’s asking price for a move to happen.
The Armenia international is currently on loan with the Serie A side, having left Arsenal in the summer when it became apparent he wasn’t part of Unai Emery’s plans.
He’s endured something of a difficult campaign in Italy, managing just 20 appearances in all competitions to date.
He has, though, scored six goals and registered four assists in those games and that has convinced Roma to try and make the deal permanent.
However, Arsenal’s demands are proving to be difficult, with the Gunners asking for €25m for the 31-year-old, despite the fact his contract expires in 2021.
Indeed his contract is another stumbling block as Mkitaryan currently earns around €7m a season at the Emirates and is aiming for the last ‘big signing’ of his career now he’s over thirty.
Roma can’t afford such a deal, and if better options can’t be negotiated, they may look elsewhere for the forward they want.
That may suit Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta having hinted he would like Mkhitaryan in his squad next season anyway.
