Roma aware of key factors as they plan to secure Mkhitaryan transfer

Roma are making plans to make Henrikh Mkhitaryan‘s loan switch from Arsenal a permanent transfer, claims a report.

The midfielder was offloaded to Serie A last summer after a failed 18-month spell with Arsenal and the Armenia international has had a positive impact with the Rome club.

Gazetta dello Sport report that Roma are keen to sign the 31-year-old on a permanent deal after his seven goals in 16 appearances.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is not expected to block the deal, but Roma are apparently wary about certain factors in any proposed contract.

They will not pay over the odds for the player, but it’s unclear exactly how much Arsenal will want for the former Manchester United man, who was part of the swap deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford.

Roma are also unwilling to offer the player a long-term contract and the Italian source claims they will rebuff Mkhitaryan if he seeks a three-year deal.

Also Mkhitaryan is not the only Premier League loanee playing at the Stadio Olympico with Roma also keen on keeping Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

The defender was willing let go by United last summer but has proved to be a big hit.

Arsenal are also thought to be keen on Smalling though which could play a part in negotiations for Mkhitaryan.

Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has been vocal in his praise for both players this term.

“Mkhi during this season got some injuries but he is returning now and he is proving his quality,” he told Sky Sports.

“Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional. I would like Chris to stay. We are speaking.

“I don’t know if it is possible because of the situation with Manchester United, but I would like so much for Chris to stay here with us because he is very important.”

READ MORE: Mkhitaryan reveals brutal thing Mourinho accused him of after Man Utd exit