Lazio are looking to bolster their squad without breaking the bank and added Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the list of future free agents they are pursuing. José Mourinho wants the Roma attacker to extend his expiring contract, but he will be able to choose on his own.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Biancocelesti president Claudio Lotito moved personally to try to convince the Armenian veteran. The forward previously signaled that he is open to staying with the Giallorossi. However, the parties will engage in the negotiation only at the end of the season.
The situation leaves an opening for the suitors. Lazio are already in talks with his agent Mino Raiola to bring in Alessio Romagnoli and likely touched base on Mkhitaryan as well during the recent meetings. The 33-year-old currently makes €3.5M, which is on a par with the wealthiest salaries in the Biancocelesti roster. Roma are looking to re-up for two more years, lowering his annual wages, Corriere dello Sport informs.
The Eagles are keeping tabs on multiple players that will be out of contract in a couple of months, such as Matias Vecino and Federico Bernardeschi. With Mkhitaryan, Lazio are trying to replicate what they did with Pedro last summer. However, Roma wanted to offload the player in that case. Plus, he had a previous connection with Maurizio Sarri. Instead, in this instance, the Giallorossi wish to keep their linchpin. Although, they will have to come to terms with him on the new deal. He has logged 4 goals and 9 assists in 41 appearances so far.