In the age of astronomical transfer fees, Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes swap deals like Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s will become the norm, along with massive wages.

On Monday, it was finally announced that Alexis and Mkhitaryan had swapped clubs.

It’s rare for a swap deal to go ahead but one of this size was definitely interesting, especially when you consider how much the Chilean will be earning and fact that he ran his contract right down until the final six months.

“In years to come we will look back on his transfer to Manchester United as a ground-breaker — one I feel will become the norm,” Wright wrote for The S*n.

“Namely that more and more world-class stars will run down their contracts and move for nothing or, at best, a fraction of their real worth in the closing months of their deals.

“We all know players hold all the power these days and it makes total financial sense to them — and the buying club. Of course you will still get the odd astronomical transfer but they will be very much the exception.”

He continued: “Just look at the logic involved. A player worth, say, £80million with 18 months left can move for nothing at the end of that time.

“He can then pocket a signing-on fee upwards of £25m, on top of sky-high wages — money that would have gone to the selling club in a fee otherwise. And if, as in Sanchez’s case, you DO move in the closing months before your contract is up, then the salary reflects that.

“The buyers pay for the privilege, knowing they’re still getting you cheaper than if there was a long time left on your terms.”

Wright does have a point and it’s something that Arsene Wenger also predicted back in September. With players able to demand £500k-per-week and agent fees through the roof, clubs will only be able to pay this if they just have to cough up a tiny transfer fee.

Or, they could swap a player.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeRLJpKlPqJ/?taken-by=alexis_officia1

For example, as the former striker points out, instead of United paying £80m for Alexis when the 29-year-old still 18 months left on his contract, they only had to swap a player that would have cost the Gunners £30m.

They then use the rest of the money paying him eye-watering wages. It makes sense for both club and player. “Mark my words, there will be a complete shake-up of the transfer system as we know it,” Wright concluded.

“Alexis is merely the tip of the iceberg. This is the dawn of a whole new age.”