Arsenal are in agreement with AS Roma that Henrikh Mkhitaryan can stay until the end of the season, even if that’s beyond June 30th.

Corriere dello Sport (via Football-Italia) report that AS Roma negotiated with Manchester United and Arsenal to agree extensions for Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan until the end of the current season – whenever that is.

One of the big talking points around football’s return is what happens to these out-of-contract players. On June 30th, their loan deals will end. Whatever assurances FIFA make, players can refuse to extend, and parent clubs can recall them back.

To avoid that happening, Roma reportedly came to an agreement with Arsenal. Even if the campaign goes on into July and August, Mkhitaryan will complete it with them.

It’s still possible the Serie A side try to sign Mkhitaryan permanently at the end of the season. Arsenal expect a fee of around €20m, according to the Football-Italia report. The current financial situation might make that difficult, though.

Mkhitaryan scored six and assisted four in 17 games for Roma before the league shutdown.