According to Corriere Dello Sport, Roma are currently inclined to let winger Justin Kluivert join Arsenal – because boss Paulo Fonseca keeps asking for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Recent speculation has suggested that Arsenal and Roma could negotiate a swap deal involving the pair. After all, swap deals could become more popular in light of the global pandemic.
Neither club will have big money to spend, and Kluivert could end up in North London. These new reports suggest that the move is now being accelerated as of the last few days.
Arsenal allegedly asked to include Kluivert in a deal, and Roma are currently thinking of accepting those demands. Roma boss Fonseca is allegedly set on signing Mkhitaryan permanently, so his club will let Kluivert go in oder to do it.
It’s stated that Mkhitaryan is valued at €20million (£18million) and Kluivert at €35million (£31.5million). Roma would therefore want €15million (£13.5million) plus Mkhitaryan for Kluivert.
With these rumours gathering pace, a swap deal does seem increasingly likely. Mkhitaryan was productive on loan at Roma this season, hitting six goals and three assists in 13 league games.
Meanwhile, Kluivert has struggled to really live up to his billing having arrived from Ajax in 2018. The Dutchman has though notched seven goals in 27 games this season.
Given that he is just 21, Mikel Arteta may feel that he can develop the Dutchman. He offers a natural left-sided threat who can cut in on his right foot, offering some balance rather than sticking Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Gabriel Martinelli there.
Swap deals aren’t easy, so there could be twists and turns yet, but it seems that a summer move involving Kluiver and Mkhitaryan could be a real possibility.
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