Henrikh Mkhitaryan has signalled his intention to leave Arsenal on a permanent basis once the summer transfer window opens.

The midfielder has enjoyed a success season-long loan spell with Italian side Roma where he's managed six goals and four assists in 20 appearances.

Mkhitaryan struggled to adapt to life in North London after leaving Manchester United in 2018, and at the age of 31, the Armenian is keen to ensure that he's enjoying his remaining years in the game.

Speaking on Futbol with Grant Wahl podcast, as quoted by The Daily Mail, he said: "I don't know how long I'm going to stay here.

"I like Rome as a city and AS Roma as a club, I wish I could stay here longer but it's not up to me.

"I'm doing my best, I'm training, I'm learning Italian to improve so let's see what's going to happen next.

"The club and the philosophy of the manager suits me. I'm very happy to play this type of football because it makes me feel pleasure, it makes me enjoy playing football. It's the only reason, I guess.

"Of course, I'd like to be at Roma next season and not just next season, for another few years. I still have a contract with Arsenal, it's not up to me. It's up to Arsenal and Roma if they agree the terms of the transfer fee.

"My thinking is to play hard, to train hard and to look forward. If I'm not going to stay at Roma and have to go back to Arsenal, I'm not complaining.

"Football life changes so quick, you have to be ready to play wherever you are. If not in Roma, I'll go back to Arsenal. If not that, I'll stay here and play for Roma."

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

It seems that the writing is on the wall regarding Henrikh Mkhitaryan's future.

He never really hit his stride while playing for Arsenal, and with the club no doubt looking to cut costs then he's likely to be a player who is seen as dispensable.

Mkhitaryan has certainly enjoyed his time with Roma and it seems that he'll be more than happy to stay in Italy if the opportunity presented itself.

I don't think Arsenal would stand his way, and assuming that a deal could be agreed, it's certainly a move that could materialise.