Manchester United will not sign Alexis Sanchez unless Henrikh Mkhitaryan agrees to join Arsenal, says agent Mino Raiola.
Arsenal are hoping to get Mkhitaryan in exchange for Alexis Sanchez in a bid to soften the blow of the Chilean’s departure.
This much has at least been confirmed by Mkhitaryan’s agent, Mino Raiola, who told The Times: “Manchester United is not going to sign Sánchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal. Sánchez is part of the Mkhi deal, not the other way around.”
Raiola makes it sound like Arsenal are offering Alexis for Mhkitaryan, rather than the other way around. It doesn’t make a difference either way. What’s clear is that Arsenal need to convince the Armenian to join if the deal is to go ahead.
Raiola went on to say that the chances of that happening were low.
Have asked Mino Raiola what chances are Mkhitaryan will join #afc: “At this moment low but life is dynamic.” #mufc #cfc #mcfc @SkySportsNews
— Paul Gilmour (@skysportspaulg) January 16, 2018
This is likely a ploy to ensure his client gets the best deal possible from the Gunners, in my opinion. The attacking-midfielder hasn’t enjoyed his time at Manchester United and doesn’t like how Jose Mourinho sets his team up.
Yet, he may not be keen to make the step down to Arsenal given the current state of the team. It’s all set-up for even more back-and-forth. A quick resolution may not be so forthcoming.