Roma manager Paulo Fonseca has made known his desire to sign on-loan duo Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on permanent deals in the summer.
The Premier League duo joined Roma on-loan last summer. Since joining former Manchester United defender Smalling has made quite an impression. Smalling has been directly involved in 26 appearances in all competitions for the club and has two goals to his name.
Former Arsenal forward Mkhitaryan has been at loggerheads with former Gunners boss Unai Emery. The Armenian international last year claimed the manner in which he was forced out and the treatment he received from the club was the main reason for his move to Italy.
Yet, Fonseca seems to have taken a liking to the duo and wants both to stay in the Italian capital. Speaking on the duo, the Roma boss said:
”Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional,’ the Roma boss said.
”I would like Chris to stay. We are speaking. I don’t know if it is possible because of the situation with Manchester United, but I would like so much for Chris to stay here with us because he is very important. He is a great player, a great man with a great attitude every day and for all of these reasons I would be very happy if Chris stays.”
The Portuguese manager also showered praises to Mkhitaryan’s impact at the club. The Armenian international has scored five goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. The former United and Arsenal star has also scored and provided an assist during Roma’s 4-0 win over Lecce on Sunday.
Speaking on Mkhi performance, the Roma boss said:
”Mkhi during this season got some injuries but he is returning now and he is proving his quality,’ Fonseca divulged.
”Let’s see. He is a player with great decisions on the pitch and I would also like to keep Mkhi in our team” he added.
Smalling who has been in incredible form since leaving Old Trafford has quickly found his feet in Italy. The England international form has caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who has traveled to Italy to watch the former United man in action and was left far impressed on his performance.
Smalling also hinted last week his desire to represent his country during this summer’s Euro2020. With the impression left on Southgate, the 30-year-old defender might just be getting his chance over the summer.
