Mkhitaryan stay a low risk deal with high reward for Roma

There were doubts it could be done. Even if it should be done. But Roma have got it over the line. It is extremely likely that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be theirs again next season.

When news emerged out of nowhere late in last summer’s transfer window that Roma were about to take Mkhitaryan on loan, it felt big. His struggles over the past three years in the Premier League were not too much of a concern. This was a player of huge stature for Roma to bring in.

In the months since them, he has shown what a shrewd move that was. Mkhitaryan has been one of Roma’s standout players, particularly in a 2020 that has been mixed for the team as a whole. The Armenian’s consistent performances have been one of the few things Roma have been able to rely on regularly.

His form had presented Roma with an intriguing question. Should they try to keep him? It wasn’t an easy one to answer. Despite his good form, a permanent move may have used up the funds needed to buy an even more impressive loanee, Chris Smalling. Besides, Mkhitaryan’s injury troubles in the first half of the season led to concerns about his durability.

But he has proven himself in 2020 and has found a home. Mkhitaryan is comfortable in Rome and seemed desperate to extend that stay. Now he has done.

Roma announced on Tuesday night that Mkhitaryan would have his loan extended until the end of the season. But not only that – they had agreed a deal in principle for him to stay next year as well.

Mkhitaryan’s adventure in Rome continues! 💛❤️

On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you about this? https://t.co/b5eZVYDyIi
— Giallorossi Yorkshire (@RomaYorkshire) June 30, 2020
  

When reports elsewhere indicated that Roma will probably sign him as a free agent, given that he could rescind his contract with Arsenal, the move began to sound like an even more emphatic success.

Furthermore, a clause in his contract will eradicate any concerns about injuries. His permanent deal will last one year, to be automatically extended into a second if he passes 20 appearances. This is a low risk deal with potentially high reward.

The fact that Roma may not even need to pay a transfer fee makes this a gift all too good to turn down. It means the relatively small amount of funds available could be spent elsewhere – hopefully on an English centre-back who has been on loan from Manchester United, but we will have to wait and see. It’s the shrewdest way to make the deal happen.

Mkhitaryan had no future at Arsenal, despite his improvements in Rome. This was in the best interests of all parties.

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Mkhitaryan can be vital for Roma and Paulo Fonseca going forward. His flexibility to play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder is one of his best assets. From any role, he can bring a spark of creativity. He sees things that others do not. And he works hard – not willing to rest on his laurels, Mkhitaryan is always forward thinking.

In the short-term, Roma now know they can rely on Mkhitaryan when the Europa League comes back around in August. It may be their best route to the Champions League, so having such a key player available will boost their chances of success.

Indeed, that appears to be one of Mkhitaryan’s aims. After signing the extension, he told asroma.com: “We have to keep our heads up and be positive and confident that we can reach the final or win it. All the teams left in the competition are very strong, so we are ready to face anyone and give our very best to win.”

As one of Fonseca’s most important men this season, Mkhitaryan simply had to stay. With Roma likely to add the experience of Pedro alongside him next year, they could have a threatening attacking third. Mkhitaryan has proven he still has plenty to offer.

⚡️ MORE MICKI ⚡️
 
Here's every goal and assist from @HenrikhMkh so far this season! 🐺 #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/oEBQeQUTb7
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 1, 2020
  

This could turn out to be one of the best deals Roma have made during the American ownership. A player arrived temporarily with mixed expectations, thrived and then was able to stay with relatively little expenditure. Supporters owe gratitude to those who have made this happen.

Fonseca has repeatedly said how much he wants Mkhitaryan to stay, and now he has his man, he can be a building block for an intriguing second season. The future is unclear for many players, but to know one of the best will likely be staying is a massive uplift.