Arsenal loanee set to return to the Emirates in the summer

As per reports in England, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is about to return to Arsenal this summer unless the Gunners dramatically reduce their asking price for the Armenian international. 

The 31-year-old winger is currently on loan at AS Roma and keen to sign for the Italian giants on a permanent basis in the summer. 

However, the Giallorossi are not prepared to meet Arsenal’s £20million valuation for the 31-year-old whose contract with the Gunners expires next year. 

And that would leave the north Londoners scrambling to find an alternative buyer for the former Borussia Dortmund superstar who seems to not feature in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans. 

The versatile attacking midfielder joined Arsenal from Manchester United in a straight swap for Chilean Alexis Sanchez in January 2018 and signed a £160,000-a-week contract till 2021. 

But, his fortunes have not changed despite shifting from Old Trafford to the Emirates Stadium. 

The 31-year-old has failed to impress Unai Emery last season and was loaned to Roma in September despite starting the season opener away to Newcastle. 

He recently claimed: “Arsenal made me promises at the beginning of the season but after just two weeks those promises weren’t kept. 

“So when my agent called me to propose the idea of joining Roma, I didn’t think twice. I didn’t even discuss finances. I wasn’t fitting so well in English football so I thought a change would be good. 

“I no longer felt happy and from day one there have been no regrets about joining Roma, where I have really felt the appreciation of the supporters and the club.” 

Mkhitaryan has started just six games for Roma this season amid struggles with a series of thigh strains which have limited his impact. 

Despite that, AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is interested in keeping Mkhitaryan at the Stadio Olimpico beyond his current loan deal, which is costing Roma £2.5m. 

But an offer of £8.5m was rebuffed by Arsenal last month and Roma are unlikely to submit an improved bid for a player of Mkhitaryan’s age about to enter the final year of his contract.

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