Arsenal and Chelsea have been handed a boost with claims that Dortmund playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan will reject new contract talks.
The 27-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, and naturally the Bundesliga giants will be desperate to secure his long-term future, or at least avoid a scenario where they lose him for nothing.
Mkhitaryan scored 18 goals and created 28 in 48 appearances in all competitions this past season, which in turn proved his important to the side, as well as serving to attract further attention from around Europe.
In a blow to Dortmund, his agent, Mino Raiola, has now suggested that there is no need to sign an extension just yet, as reported by Bild.
It’s another unwanted distraction for coach Thomas Tuchel, who after enjoying a strong season in charge was ultimately left disappointed after finishing as runners-up in the league before losing to rivals Bayern Munich in the Cup final.
Further, Mats Hummels will return to Bavaria this summer, while speculation has linked various other stars with moves away from Dortmund ahead of next season which threatens to derail the club’s on-going progression and competitiveness.
As they continue to lose top players to their rivals around Europe, it has set a worrying trend that doesn’t bode well for the future in terms of the likes of Mkhitaryan.
The Armenian international could choose to let his contract run out and leave next summer if the club can’t offer him what he wants both on a personal basis and in terms of the team’s progress in the coming years.
If that were to happen, it would be a bitter blow for Dortmund, who will hope to keep hold of all of their current stars and continue to strengthen rather than constantly replacing.
In contrast, according to the Metro, he will only further strengthen Arsenal and Chelsea’s respective positions, with the Premier League duo looking to sign the creative star this summer.