'Watch out' - Journo reveals Villa now eyeing 'surprise' move for 201-goal attacking midfielder

Aston Villa have been name-checked with an interest in AS Roma attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan by journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

Mkhitaryan has impressed in recent seasons after leaving Arsenal for Roma back in 2019. The Armenia international made a loan move permanent as a free agent and has turned out on 119 occasions for the Serie A giants.

The 33-year-old has scored 29 times in a Roma shirt, taking his tally for club and country to 201, however, he is out of contract with the club at the end of June, leading to rumours of a possible Premier League return.

Pedulla took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to share an update on Mkhitaryan’s future.

He stated that Roma wants to renew the 33-year-old’s deal, but said ‘watch out’ for a possible ‘surprise’ move to Villa. Inter Milan, Napoli and Tottenham were also name-checked alongside Villa in regards to a potential swoop.

Although Mkhitaryan has impressed in Italy, contributing to 24 goals in 34 league games last season, Villa could be better off avoiding a free transfer.

They have now secured a permanent deal for Phillipe Coutinho and also have club-record signing Emiliano Buendia on the books, two high quality attacking midfield options. Therefore, if Steven Gerrard wants another this summer, the club may benefit from looking to land a younger player who can learn from Coutinho and Buendia and will be happy to be a bit-part player.

You’d expect that Mkhitaryan would want regular game time in the final years of his career, something Villa may not be able to offer, but it could still be one to watch closely.

In other news: ‘Incredible…’ – Sky Sports man buzzing at major Villa news after ‘speaking to the players’. 

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