The performances of Henrikh Mkhitaryan have taken a nosedive since Roma hired José Mourinho. The Armenian attacker has started in most matches, but he has recorded just two goals and two assists so far. He has been nowhere as impactful as with Paulo Fonseca at the helm.
The Portuguese gaffer benched him versus Venezia. He hinted a few times that Stephan El Shaarawy is more suitable for his playing style. Mkhitaryan did not even sub in when the Giallorossi laid siege late versus the Lagunari. The coach preferred to insert youngster Nicola Zalewski.
The 32-year-old and Mourinho had already butted heads during their time together at Manchester United. They moved past their previous disagreements upon the arrival of the Special One at Roma. But the offense now clearly leans more on Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolò Zaniolo, and Tammy Abraham. Instead, Mkhitaryan was the main cog in the past campaign, where he tallied 13 goals and 10 assists.
The Armenian forward is destined to leave Roma, either in January or more naturally in June, Calciomercato.com reports. He is on an expiring contract, and the management has no plan to extend it given his €5M salary. Should a good offer arrive during the winter, both parties would strongly consider it. Mkhitaryan is unhappy with his current role since he has to shoulder heavy defensive tasks out on the left flank. He would more than welcome a change of scenery given the issues. However, it will likely be difficult to find an alternative solution in January already.