Arsenal 'may be forced to extend Henrikh Mkhitaryan deal'

Arsenal may reportedly be forced to extend Henrikh Mkhitaryan's contract by a further year if Roma opt against signing the attacking midfielder on a permanent deal.

The Armenia international has spent 2019-20 on loan at Stadio Olimpico and has made no secret of his desire to join the Serie A club on a full-time basis this summer.

However, The Express suggests that Roma are unlikely to fork out for the 31-year-old, which will leave Arsenal with a dilemma on their hands.

Mkhitaryan is about to enter the final year of his £180,000-a-week deal and, with the risk of losing him for nothing, the report indicates that the Gunners may now extend that by another 12 months.

Speaking earlier this year, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted that he could give Mkhitaryan more of a run in the side next season if he returns.