While a lot of the attention was being directed at the future of Chris Smalling in Rome, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, through some good performances after his return from injury, quietly went about his business to convince the Serie A club to buy him from Arsenal.
That’s what Corriere dello Sport are reporting on Monday, claiming contact has already been made between the Italians’ director of football, Gianluca Petrachi, and the Gunners.
There is no buyout clause in the Armenia international’s current loan deal, meaning negotiations need to start from scratch, which is what has happened.
Corriere explain Arsenal’s opening valuation for the forward, who will have just one year left on his contract come the end of the season (whenever that is) is €24m, which is a but much for Roma.
The Serie A side are only prepared to go to a maximum of €20m, but have started their end of the talks with an offer of €15m + €2m in bonuses.
This means there’s still some way to go here, but things appear to have got off to a good start since there appears to be a willingness from everyone to get something done, including the player, who has allegedly said ‘OK’ to the move.
All that’s needed now is to agree on the figures, but Corriere do continue to push that ‘much will depend on the fate of the league and Roma’s final position’.
Still, it’s a positive start.
