Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, attacking playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan has expressed his desire to leave Arsenal and join Italian club AS Roma on a permanent deal at the end of his current loan deal at the Serie A side.
Mkhitaryan joined AS Roma on a season-long loan and has scored 6 goals and 4 assists for them so far this season. The club do not have any option to activate a clause to buy the player at the end, but Mkhitaryan is hopeful that Arsenal would allow him join to AS Roma on a permanent deal.
Mkhitaryan was having a great time at Borussia Dortmund before he spent 18 difficult months at Manchester United. He then was involved with Alexis Sanchez in a swap deal that took him to Arsenal.
Mkhitaryan was unable to impress his bosses at North London and was shipped out to play for AS Roma in the Serie A. Now he hopes to be able to settle there as he is having a very good time.
The Mirror Quoted Mkhitaryan from his interview in which he stated:
“Since the first day I arrived here in Rome, I feel very good in the club, in the city, and of course it would be nice to stay here,”
“People underestimate Serie A, the Italian league, but it’s more than interesting to play here. The league is getting better and better, and last year’s transfers speak for themselves.”
Earlier in March this year the Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta had hinted that Mkhitaryan could have a future at the Emirates, stating that he had ‘always liked’ the Armenia international.
Arsenal currently have depth in their attack and are not likely to be able to accommodate Mkhitaryan as much as he would like to be in the playing XI. Mkhitaryan though, would be a great presence at Arsenal, as he love to play with the ball.
But would Mkhitaryan stay fit and get into the starting XI is a big question, with Arsenal already having the likes of Ozil, Lacazette, Aubameyang, Pepe, Nelson and Martinelli. Will Mkhitaryan be willing to start from the bench is another question that only the Armenian can answer.
Nevertheless, Arteta would benefit by holding onto Mkhitaryan next season. The former Man United star would be a good presence in the squad if he can gain some form. The Mkhitaryan at Dortmund was a desirable player and that’s exactly who Arsenal need given Ozil’s dip in form.
