Roma 'reach agreement with Arsenal and Manchester United' to keep Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling on loan beyond June 30 in order to complete Serie A campaign
* Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have been key players at Roma
* The Italian side were fifth in Serie A when the season was indefinitely halted
* Champions League qualification is vital if Roma are to sign either man for good
Roma have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester United and Arsenal to keep hold of Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan until beyond June 30, allowing them to complete the 2019-20 Serie A season.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, the conclusion of the Italian season could run until August but Smalling and Mkhitaryan will be on hand for Roma.
Roma are currently fifth in the Serie A standings, three points behind Atalanta in fourth place but have played a game more than their top-four rivals.
Chris Smalling is set to stay on loan at Roma until the end of the 2019-20 Italian Serie A season. Smalling's form at Roma has been so impressive, Arsenal and Tottenham are linked with moves
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, on loan at Roma from Arsenal, is also set to stay beyond June 30. Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, has scored six goals in 20 appearances for the Serie A outfit
Smalling particularly has enjoyed a successful campaign in Serie A and Roma want to sign him on a permanent basis.
Smalling's form at Roma has alerted Premier League sides to his potential availability at United - London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for the central defender, who could cost in excess of £20m.
He has played 28 times for Roma in all competitions and has found the net twice so far during his time in Italy.
It is believed Roma would need to qualify for the Champions League in order to have the budget available to make his move to Italy a permanent one.
Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, has netted six goals in 20 games for Roma so far in 2019-20 and news that he remains to bolster their Champions League push is a huge boost.
The Armenia international is also believed to be available to buy permanently for around £20m from Arsenal.
It is not yet known how the summer transfer window will fall if, as is almost inevitable, domestic seasons across Europe are played in the summer months.
Italy are hopeful of resuming the Serie A season in May but an official date is yet to be confirmed.
Code:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8241315/Roma-reach-agreement-Mkhitaryan-Smalling-loan-June-30-complete-Serie-A.html