Only Mkhitaryan: Inter choose the only player for a contract extension

Inter Milan plan to keep midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the squad by offering him a new contract. However, the new deal is expected to include a noticeable reduction in the player’s salary, according to TuttomercatoWeb.

According to the report, the Nerazzurri management intend to offer the 37-year-old Armenian midfielder a contract extension until June 30, 2027. At the same time, the player’s salary could be reduced by around 30%. Currently, Mkhitaryan earns about €3.8 million net per year, but under the new agreement his salary could drop to roughly €2.5 million per season.

It is noted that Mkhitaryan is the only Inter player whose contract expires this summer that the club is ready to extend. Besides him, several other players’ deals also expire at the end of the season, including Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Raffaele Di Gennaro.

In addition, Manuel Akanji is currently at the Milan club on loan until the summer, and Inter are interested in signing him permanently from Manchester City.

The midfielder himself previously stated that he does not plan to retire yet, despite his age.

“I’m still thinking about continuing my career and I haven’t thought about retiring. I’m 37 years old, so I have to take better care of my body — I’m no longer 20 or 22. But I try to do everything possible to play as long as I can and not regret it later,” the player said.

Mkhitaryan also emphasized that the team is focused on competing for trophies this season.

This season, the 37-year-old Armenian midfielder has played 28 matches in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists.

The final decision now depends on the player himself: he can agree to a salary reduction and stay at Inter for another season, or consider other offers which, according to media reports, are coming from several different leagues.