Justin Kluivert wants Henrikh Mkhitaryan to stay at RomaJune 19, 2020 - 17:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Roma winger Justin Kluivert wants Arsenal’s on-loan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan to stay at the Italian club next season amid speculation of a potential swap deal between the two players, Metro says. Mkhitaryan was shipped out on a season-long loan to Italy at the start of the campaign after being deemed surplus to requirements by former Gunners boss Unai Emery. Despite multiple injuries, the 31-year-old has impressed on the pitch, registering six goals and just three assists in 13 Serie A appearances. Reports claim that Arsenal have opened talks with Roma to swap Mkhitaryan for their 21-year-old winger Kluivert in a player-plus-cash deal. When asked about the rumours, the Dutch forward refused to be drawn on his own future, but maintained that he would like to see Roma’s on-loan stars Mkhitaryan and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling remain at the club. "I’m just happy with his [Mkhitaryan’s] help and hope he and Chris Smalling will stay here after this season," Kluivert toldVoetballzone. "They are top players for us. "He [Mkhitaryan] transfers his experience to the team and certainly to me. I look up to a player who has already experienced as much as he has. "He has had a great career and seen many big clubs. I can certainly learn from that. We talk a lot anyway because we play in roughly the same positions and he occasionally gives me tips or emphasizes what I do well. I listen to that because he has experienced it all." Photo: Getty Images Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |