Arsenal could exchange Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Justin Kluivert in a swap deal plus cash with AS Roma, according to reports in Italy.

Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) suggest AS Roma could use Justin Kluivert to try and complete a deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The current problem is that Roma can’t quite afford Mkhitaryan. Meeting Arsenal’s transfer fee expectations is tough enough for them right now, but the player also won’t lower his salary any further than €4.5m-a-year.

Mkhitaryan reportedly has offers that large from Russia, whilst Roma can only reach €3m plus bonuses.

The 31-year-old’s agent is Mino Raiola, who also represents Roma winger Kluivert. As a result, Corriere dello Sport suggest Arsenal could trade Mkhitaryan and €12-15m for the 21-year-old.

Kluivert made 27 appearances this season, mostly on the left-wing. He scored seven goals and assisted two in all competitions. The young Dutchman also has a couple of substitute appearances for his country, but he’s still waiting on his first start.

If Arsenal believe in Kluivert’s potential, it’s certainly a deal worth considering. The Gunners could probably use left-wing reinforcements given Aubameyang is their only option over the age of 20, and his contract only lasts until 2021.

Back in 2018, Kluivert did name Arsenal as one of the English clubs he would consider joining ‘in a few years’. Perhaps he’ll get his chance in the near future.