Raiola steps in with Arsenal demand to force through exciting swap deal

Top agent Mino Raiola has reportedly demanded that Arsenal lower their valuation of Roma loanee Henrikh Mkhitaryan by just over £1.8million, in order to force through a swap deal with Justin Kluivert.

Arsenal sent Mkhitaryan on loan to Roma last summer under the orders of former boss Unai Emery.

The midfielder has contributed to 10 goals so far and reports say the Serie A side want to keep him.

Arsenal are reportedly after exciting Dutch winger Kluivert in return. And they could allow Mkhitaryan to make his move permanent to secure a lower fee for the winger.

Further claims say Arsenal have offered a contract to Kluivert but Calciomercato says issues remain with the deal.

Roma are unwilling to press ahead with the terms of the current proposal and Raiola has agreed to help.

The agent believes Arsenal lowering their demands for Mkhitaryan by £1.8million will lead to both sides reaching a deal.

The report adds that Roma, who posted over €200million in debt in May, are keen to balance the books.

What’s more, their budget for the transfer window pins largely on whether Roma get Champions League football next season.

Paulo Fonseca’s side sit fifth in Serie A, six points behind fourth-placed Atalanta.

In any case, however, securing deals for Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling is a priority, with Smalling nearing the end of his loan stay from Manchester United.

ARSENAL’S POOR RESTART

Arsenal have restarted their Premier League campaign in poor form, losing to Manchester City and Brighton.

The Gunners were outclassed by City but had several chances to beat the Seagulls, whose last-minute winner secured victory.

Mikel Arteta‘s side go to Southampton on Thursday but their hopes of a European spot next season look slim.

Arsenal sit in 10th, 11 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and six off United in fifth.