AS Roma want to turn Henrikh Mkhitaryan's loan deal into a permanent one, head coach Paulo Fonseca has confirmed.
As a result, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta could be in line to receive a surprise welcome windfall which will help to boost their transfer budget for the summer window.
The Armenia international joined the Serie A outfit last summer has had his share of injuries this season, but has performed when on the occasions when he's been called upon.
His goal and assist in Roma's 4-0 win over Lecce on Sunday takes his goal involvement tally to seven (5g, 2a) in 15 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
All of which has convinced Fonseca to urge the Giallorossi board to sign the 31-year-old on a permanent basis.
"Mkhi during this season got some injuries but he is returning now and he is proving his quality," Fonseca told Sky Sports News.
"Let's see. He is a player with great decisions on the pitch and I would also like to keep Mkhi in our team."
A deal taking Mkhitaryan to the Stadio Olimpico could see the Gunners pocket a fee in the region of £10m. That was the figure which Forza Roma reported was rejected during the January transfer window.
However, the report did also state that Arsenal were said to be open to bids for the attacking midfielder. Therefore, should the Giallorossi return with an improved offer then the north London outfit are likely to pocket a decent transfer fee and also move Mkhitaryan off the wage bill.
Mkhitaryan is not the only player whom Roma want to sign permanently this summer, with Fonseca also expressing his desire to see Chris Smalling - on loan from Manchester United - extend his stay in Serie A too.
"Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional," Fonseca added. "The adaptation (to Italian football) was very easy for him. He's a boy that everyone loves in the club because he is a great professional.
"I would like Chris to stay.
"We are speaking. I don't know if it is possible because of the situation with Manchester United, but I would like so much for Chris to stay here with us because he is very important.
"He is a great player, a great man with a great attitude every day and for all of these reasons I would be very happy if Chris stays."
