Inter are considering extending midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s contract for another year.
According to FcInterNews.it, the new agreement includes a salary reduction of approximately 20% and a change in the player’s status within the team.
While the current season hasn’t been one of the Armenian player’s best with the Azzurri, he continues to have a decisive influence on the game. This was clearly demonstrated in the away match against Lecce in Serie A. Coming on as a substitute, Mkhitaryan changed the course of the game, scoring a powerful strike after a scuffle in the penalty area, giving the Milanese club victory. It was his second goal of the season, helping Inter to their seventh consecutive victory in Serie A and their ninth on the road. He could have also provided an assist had Federico Dimarco seized the opportunity.
The Milan club’s management understands that if the midfielder, who turned 37 in January, is used wisely and not overworked physically, he can still be a significant asset to the team. The new contract envisions Mkhitaryan in a more rotational (backup) but extremely important role. The club values his experience, which has a positive impact on the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
According to a source, negotiations between the parties will begin in March. A meeting between Inter management and Mkhitaryan’s agent, Raffaella Pimenta, is already scheduled. This will be the first clear step toward discussing the details of a one-year contract and understanding whether a mutual understanding regarding the Armenian player’s stay in Milan is possible.
This season, Mkhitaryan has appeared in 26 matches for the Milan giants, scoring two goals and providing two assists.