Arsenal have confirmed they have parted company with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has joined AS Roma on loan for the rest of the season.
Mkhitaryan moved to the Emirates Stadium in January 2018 from Manchester United, with Alexis Sanchez moving the other way, and without doubt, the Gunners got the best out of that deal as the latter has been a flop at Old Trafford.
The same cannot be said of Mkhitaryan, who has made 59 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring nine goals in the process, but boss Unai Emery was happy for him to go out and get more regular game time with Roma.
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The Armenian was of course signed by Arsene Wenger and after one full season in charge, new boss Emery is starting to put his own stamp on the Gunners squad and make it his own.
Another two players from the Wenger era, Nacho Monreal and Mohamed Elneny, have also moved on to Real Sociedad and Galatasaray before the European deadline and now Mkhitaryan has followed suit.
A club statement confirmed the news late on Wednesday when reading: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Micki all the best for his season with Roma. The loan is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
The Italians have paid an undisclosed loan fee to the Gunners to take the midfielder for the season, but it is worth noting there is no option or obligation to buy him at the end of the term.
There is still a chance that could happen, but Roma are keen to see what he produces first, while it would also suggest that Emery has not given up completely, and he could still have a future at the Emirates Stadium.
Emery is thought to have loaned Mikhitaryan out as he has confidence in the youngsters in his ranks, who will now be given the chance this season to step up to the plate. If for whatever reason that does not work out, then the former Manchester United star can be brought back into the fold.
The 30-year-old did come on as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday, but the player wants to be starting and playing regularly, something which should happen at Roma.
The Giallorossi will be pushing for a place in the top four of Serie A this season so Mkhitaryan and Arsenal will both benefit from him playing regular football at such a high standard this season.
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