Roma manager says Henrikh Mkhitaryan wants to stay with the clubApril 29, 2020 - 12:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca says Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is keen to stay with the club beyond the summer when his loan deal expires, Metro reports. Mkhitaryan has badly struggled to live up to expectations after completing a move from Manchester United to Arsenal back in January 2018 and the 31-year-old joined Roma in the hope of getting his stuttering career back on track. The Armenian has missed 16 matches since the start of the season with muscle issues but impressed when called upon before the coronavirus crisis brought Italian football to a halt, scoring six goals in 13 league games for the Serie A outfit. Though the pandemic has caused uncertainty throughout the game regarding player contracts and potential deals, Roma manager Fonseca has made his stance very clear on Mkhitaryan’s future – and claims the midfielder feels the same way. "I want him to stay and he also wants to stay," he told Ukraine's Great Football. "However, it should be clear that everything is now on hiatus, and we’ll have to talk to Arsenal. "I want to continue working with him because he’s a great player and a great man." Arsenal have reportedly informed Roma that they can sign the Armenia international permanently for around £22 million (€25.2 million) this summer. The Italians have been impressed by Mkhitaryan’s performances but are reluctant to spend that much on his signature considering his injury problems since arriving at the Stadio Olimpico. It’s understood the Giallorossi will attempt to secure the former Borussia Dortmund star for a fee closer to £15m (€17m). Photo. Getty Images Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |