Arsenal reject two offers from Italian giants for experienced forward: report

Arsenal have reportedly turned down a couple of bids from AS Roma to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan on a permanent basis during the next transfer window.

The Armenia international made the switch to the Giallorossi on a season-long loan last summer and he has since endured an injury-plagued campaign where he has made just 20 appearances in all competitions.

Despite this, he has been a good signing for them with six goals and three assists from just 13 league games and he was particularly impressive before the season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to The Express, the Giallorossi have failed with two bids to sign Mkhitaryan on a permanent deal and their latest offer of £10m has fallen well short of the Gunners’ £18m price tag for the attacker.

The 31-year-old will be entering the final year of his Gunners contract in July and hierarchy would surely prefer to sanction his sale such that they can provide Mikel Arteta with additional funds to spend during the summer.

However, there is the possibility that Mkhitaryan could remain with the club next season with Arteta stating last month that he has always been an admirer of the experienced forward.

Still, the option of keeping him for next season may depend on whether he would be prepared to renew his contract and fight for his Gunners future under the Spanish head coach.