Paulo Fonseca has revealed that he would like Roma to tie both Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the club on permanent deals.
The Manchester United loanee Smalling has done enough to convince the Portuguese coach in the Italian capital, and Fonseca revealed that he would like to bring the English centre-half to the Giallorossi on a permanent transfer.
Paulo Fonseca has revealed that he would like Roma to tie both Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the club on permanent deals.
The Manchester United loanee Smalling has done enough to convince the Portuguese coach in the Italian capital, and Fonseca revealed that he would like to bring the English centre-half to the Giallorossi on a permanent transfer.
“I would like for Chris to stay,” Fonseca told Sky Sports UK. “We are speaking. I don’t know if it’s 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.
“Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional. The adaptation [to Italian football] was very easy for him. He’s a boy that everyone loves in the club because he is a great professional.
“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 same goes for Arsenal loanee Mkhitaryan, who has struggled with a host of injury setbacks this campaign but has still managed to show his worth when available at the Olimpico.
“Mkhi during this season has had some injuries but he is returning now, and he is proving his quality,” Fonseca added. “Let’s see. He is a player with great decisions on the pitch and I would also like to keep Mkhi in our team.”
Roma are currently preparing for their return leg against KAA Gent in the Europa League after back-to-back wins against the Belgians and Lecce respectively.
The Giallorossi are currently 1-0 up from the first leg at the Olimpico last week and will be looking for a spot in the last 16 of the competition on Thursday.