Roma manager Paulo Fonesca has urged the club not to sell Justin Kluivert.
The winger has been linked to a swap deal with Arsenal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with the Gunners reportedly opening talks with the Italian club over any potential transfer.
Kluivert, son of Barcelona legend Patrick, burst onto the scene with Ajax in 2016, earning a move to Roma in 2018.
Now 21, his progression has stalled slightly, with just five goals in 47 league appearances during his two years at the Stadio Olimpico.
Yet, speaking with Publico.pt, Fonesca was asked to compare Justin with his father Patrick and said that, whilst the players are different, Justin Kluivert will be a big player for Roma in the future.
"They’re different," he said.
"His father was a great player, a great striker. Justin has what it takes to be as good as him.
"He’s one of the young players that Roma are counting on for the future."
Mkhitaryan has been on loan at Roma this season, scoring six goals in 17 appearances.
Valued at £13m by Arsenal, the Gunners hope the Armenian could be used as a makeweight in any deal for Kluivert, who Roma claim is worth £36m.
Mkhitaryan's spell at the Emirates Stadium has been disappointing since he was used in a January 2018 swap deal with Manchester United for Alexis Sanchez.
After arriving in the Premier League as a player with plenty of potential following an impressive spell at Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan has largely flattered to deceive.
When at Ajax, Kluivert was briefly linked with a move to Manchester United.
