Roma have been ‘rocked’ by Arsenal’s decision to bring forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan back to the club this summer.
Mkhitaryan is currently on loan at the Serie A side after joining them last summer when Unai Emery made it clear he was not in his plans.
The loan spell has been relatively successful, with six goals and four assists in 20 games in all competitions so far.
The loan deal does not include a purchase option, though, and as such Mkhitaryan is set to return to the Emirates this summer.
Indeed, Arteta recently admitted that he has “always liked” the player and the Gunners are “considering keeping him for next season”.
These comments have ‘rocked’ Roma manager Paulo Fonseca and sporting director Gianluca Petrachi, who are both ‘eager’ to keep Mkhitaryan in Rome.
Petrachi is planning to open talks with Arsenal in the coming weeks about the move, although negotiation is likely to be needed.
Arsenal want €20m for the Armenian, but Roma are only willing to offer €15m maximum, meaning they will have to convince the Gunners to lower their price.
Mkhitaryan’s desire to stay at Roma could prove the difference, with Corriere stating that it will be ‘crucial’ to keeping him at the club.
