Report: Roma and Arsenal enter talks over £160,000-a-week maestro

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Roma and Arsenal have opened discussions over the long-term future of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Armenian has spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan with the Serie A outfit and they remain keen to sign him on a permanent basis.

Mkhitaryan spent a failed 18-month period at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal will look to raise funds with his departure during the summer.

If Roma do sign the attacking midfielder, Arsenal could be set to recoup a fee in the region of £10 million for the player.

His time at the Gunners won’t live long in the memory of too many people. In 59 appearances he managed nine goals and 13 assists.

Although there are still some details to thrash out between the two clubs; Roma boss Paulo Fonseca also has some concerns over Mkhitaryan wanting a three-year deal at 31.

The former Manchester United man does have a contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2021 but the Gunners will want his £160,000-a-week wage away from their budget.

Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal in 2018 as part of the swap deal which saw Alexis Sanchez head to Old Trafford.

initially, he offered some promise that he could be a decent signing for the Gunners but several injuries curtailed his progress.

Plans

The summer is set to be a big one for Mikel Arteta. He will want to reshape his squad to represent his own style of football and Mkhitaryan could be deemed surplus.

During the current campaign, he has contributed six goals and registered four assists as Roma battle to secure a Champions League place.

Arteta has previously stated that he’d like ball-playing midfielders to his ranks. As a result, Mkhitaryan might hope he has a future at the Emirates.

It does seem as though, the boss will have his own ideas, however, and a departure would be the best option for all parties.