AS Roma legend Francesco Totti thinks it was a good move by his old club to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan on loan for the season.

Mkhitaryan joined Roma on the European transfer deadline day, having started just one of Arsenal’s opening four Premier League fixtures.

It was clear that Nicolas Pepe had taken his place in the starting lineup, if Arsenal even played a formation Mkhitaryan could fit in to start with. Totti thinks more regular football will see the player shine with his loan club.

“Mkhitaryan can bring quality and quantity, so it’s a good move,” Totti said. “He hasn’t always played regularly over the last two years at Arsenal, but I hope he can feel at home at Roma.

“The fans will certainly appreciate him here, as he has great technique and is eager to prove himself.”

Mkhitaryan definitely looked to be trying to make a statement over the international break, scoring twice, assisting once and forcing an own goal in one game against Bosnia.

It would benefit Roma and Arsenal if the 30-year-old had a strong year in Italy. The Gunners don’t want him to return after another poor season, forcing them to negotiate his exit with clubs submitting lowball offers.

If the former Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund man can play as he did against Bosnia all year, Roma won’t be the only club trying to bring him in permanently.