Roma are already making moves to ensure Henrikh Mkhitaryan's loan switch from Arsenal becomes permanent.
The Armenian, who only spent 18 months at the Emirates, headed for Italy in the summer as he looked to resurrect his career.
And now the Italians want to keep the playmaker but several pieces of the jigsaw still need to fall into place as negotiations begin, reports Gazetta dello Sport .
Mkhitaryan has struggled since he came to England with Manchester United in 2016.
Arsenal are not desperate to keep the midfielder but much will rest on how much they want for the 31-year-old.
Roma will also be wary about the length of contract the player requests given his age. The Italians will supposedly rebuff Mkhitaryan if he seeks a three-year deal.
Injuries have been an issue for the Borussia Dortmund man meaning he has made just 16 appearances, although he has still scored seven times.
Mkhitaryan is not the only Premier League loanee playing at the Stadio Olympico with Roma also keen on keeping Chris Smalling.
The defender was willing let go by United last summer but has proved to be a big hit.
Arsenal are also thought to be keen on Smalling though which could play a part in negotiations for Mkhitaryan.
Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has been vocal in his praise for both players this term.
"Mkhi during this season got some injuries but he is returning now and he is proving his quality," he told Sky Sports.
"Chris is a great, great man, a great, 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."
