Justin Kluivert discusses Henrikh Mkhitaryan, amid reports of an Arsenal swap deal

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Justin Kluivert has told Dutch outlet Voetbal Zone that he wants Arsenal loanee Henrikh Mkhitaryan to complete a permanent move to Roma – amid reports he could be used in a swap deal.

Kluivert, 21, has enjoyed an excellent season at Roma so far – scoring seven goals in 27 appearances despite completing 90 minutes just 13 times. Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, has had a hand in 10 goals in his 17 outings.

Roma have made it clear that they want to keep 31-year-old Mkhitaryan, but there is no permanent clause in his loan deal. The Sun claim Arsenal could use Mkhitaryan as a makeweight to sign £36million-rated Kluivert.

However, while Kluivert urged Roma to keep Mkhitaryan as he continues to learn under the former Manchester United star’s wing – as well as urging defender Chris Smalling to remain at Roma.

“I’m just happy with his [Mkhitaryan’s] help and hope he and Chris Smalling will stay here,” Kluivert said. “His experience helps the team and certainly me. I look up to a player who has already experienced as much as he has.”

“We talk a lot anyway because we play in roughly the same positions and he occasionally gives me tips or emphasizes what I do well. I listen to that because he has experienced it all.”

TBR’s view – Is Kluivert be a good signing, and what is a good deal?

Luring Kluivert to Arsenal fits Mikel Arteta’s blueprint. The Spanish boss has already used the likes of Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and others on multiple occasions.

Adding Kluivert is another player at just 21 years of age with enormous quality, proven in both the Netherlands and in Italy. Getting Mkhitaryan’s pay cheque off the wage bill, and knocking off some cash for Kluivert is good business.