(Football news) Henrikh Mkhitaryan is close to joining Inter Milan on a free transfer as the Armenian has made his decision not to extend with AS Roma and join the Nerazzurri where he can play in the Champions League.The 33-year-old has taken a long time to respond to the contract offer made by AS Roma which fueled speculation that he would like to join Inter instead next summer. The Nerazzurri have made him an offer of €3.5 million per season on a two-year deal and the former Manchester United and Arsenal player will undergo a medical soon. Inter feel that he can rotate with Hakan Calhanoglu on the left side of the midfield three and he can also play in attack or as number 10 should he be needed there.

This season Henrikh Mkhitaryan hasn’t been a regular feature for Roma although he did start the UEFA Conference League final, a decision from Jose Mourinho that raised a fair few eyebrows as he has the experience of playing in big finals having already played in two Europa League finals. The Armenian international couldn’t make any significant impact as he made way with an injury after just 15 minutes with Sergio Oliveira coming on in his place.The lack of playing time may prompt him to look elsewhere, and Inter Milan came calling as they look for utility players. 

Inzaghi system for wing backs and since they will lose Ivan Perisic to Tottenham, he exactly won’t be a direct replacement for him as Mkhitaryan isn’t really capable of playing as a striker or wingback, leaving just the number ten role available for him. This position is currently occupied by Hakan Calhanoglu who he has been one of the best performers for Inter since his move from AC Milan but healthy competition along with squad depth is required in the squad

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was in Manchester United at the same time as Mourinho and so the move across to Inter for the 33-year-old was surely at the Special One’s recommendation. This season he started 29 games in Serie A as he started 29 of his 31 league appearances, amassing over 2,500 minutes. He may not be very instrumental as compared to the likes of Tammy Abraham, Nicolo Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini, but he certainly played his role in Rome’s terrific season this year. He has been part of Mourinho’s teams which have won the Europa League and now the Conference League. He has made more appearances for Roma than he did for either Manchester United or Arsenal. With Inter, he might win the Scudetto also. AS Roma want to hang on to him but Inter Milan may prove to be a more attractive and lucrative proposition at this stage of his career.

As per Romano’s tweet, ‘Mkhitaryan’s tempted’ and ‘Inter are now confident’ so there clearly are certain assurances in place that he will join the current Coppa Italia winners

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