Arsenal reject Roma bid for Henrikh Mkhitaryan?

Arsenal have reportedly rejected an approach from Roma to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan on a permanent basis this month.

The Armenia international, who joined the North London side in January 2018, moved to the Italian capital on a season-long loan over the summer having failed to impress under Unai Emery.

Having missed the opening stages of the season with injury, Mkhitaryan has netted three Serie A goals in nine appearances so far this term.

According to Forza Roma, the Gunners have rejected a bid worth £8.5m from Roma to strike a permanent move for Mkhitaryan.

Manager Paulo Fonseca is said to highly admire the attacking midfielder, who has demonstrated excellent professionalism during his time in the Italian capital.

Roma are also keen on securing a permanent move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling following the Englishman's excellent start to life in Serie A.