BBC journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a swap agreement involving Alexis Sanchez joining Manchester United.
The Gunners have decided to cash in on Sanchez, who has entered the final six months of his contract, and it now appears certain that he will join the Red Devils in a straight exchange deal with Mkhitaryan.
Initially, it had been suggested that Mkhitaryan was not so keen on the transfer, but according to Ornstein, the Armenian has agreed on the switch, and he is due to have a a series of medical tests in the coming 48 hours.
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan agrees move to Arsenal in a deal that will see Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez go opposite way. It’s a straight swap, no money involved. Paperwork complete, Mkhitaryan will undergo a medical over the next 2 days #MUFC #AFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 20, 2018
Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that Alexis Sanchez had travelled ‘north’ prior to the Gunners’ thumping 4-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and the announcement, once both players finalise their necessary formalities.
Mkhitaryan had been pursued by Wenger prior to his move to Old Trafford in 2016, and though, he has not had much success with the Red Devils, he did have a major say in their Europa League campaign last term, where he netted in the triumph over Ajax in the final.
The Armenian is Cup-tied for the midweek League Cup semi-final versus Chelsea, and he may have to wait a week on Wednesday in order to make his league debut versus struggling Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Mkhitaryan’s move to the Emirates could yet see his reunion with ex-teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though Arsenal are still discussing a possible club-record fee to pursue the Borussia Dortmund marksman.
