Borussia Dortmund "to keep Henrikh Mkhitaryan for one more season"

PanARMENIAN.Net - Chelsea and Arsenal may have to wait until next summer to sign Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Express says citing media reports.

Mkhitaryan has been linked with a move to the Premier League following a sensational season for Dortmund.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed his best-ever campaign, scoring 23 goals and providing 32 assists in all competitions.

Reports from Russia last week claimed the Gunners have already held talks with the player’s representatives and he has begun house hunting in London.

And German newspaper Bild said the Blues were also keen to sign the Armenia international for a fee of £46million (around $6 million).

However, both clubs could be forced to wait, as fresh reports in Bild claim Dortmund will make a shock decision to keep him for one more season and allow him to leave for free next year, Express says.

After losing Mats Hummels to rivals Bayern Munich and with Ilkay Gundogan reportedly moving to Manchester City, the German club are apparently not prepared to lose any more players.

And it is said Thomas Tuchel's side would rather keep Mkhitaryan for the 2016/17 campaign, even if he fails to extend his contract, Express says.

The winger joined Dortmund in 2013 from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk for £24m, signing a four-year deal.