Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan transfers close to completion as Manchester United star poses for farewell picture
Sanchez has agreed £500,000-a-week deal to move to Old Trafford and is now waiting for Mkhitaryan to finish personal talks with the Gunners before pair can make swap moves this month
Sponsored by
ALEXIS SANCHEZ and Henrikh Mkhitaryan hit the road glum-faced at training today as they prepare to make their swap move between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Sanchez is desperate to quit the club this month and is hoping to seal a move to United this week.
The Chile striker even wants to get the deal thrashed out in time to be available for United in time to face Burnley on Saturday.
But though he has agreed terms over a £500,000-a-week deal to become the highest paid player in Britain, it is still not certain he will get his wish to complete the deal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted today that it was "likely" his rebel forward would be making the move to rivals United.
But before that can happen the Gunners have still to agree personal terms with Mkhitaryan who is lined up to move in the opposite direction.
Mkhitaryan's agent Mino Raiola is now in London attempting to thrash out the terms of the player's contract at the Emirates.
And unless Mkhitaryan is totally happy then Raiola says he will not be making the move to North London.
'OH F*** OFF PEDRO' Chelsea ace Pedro slammed by Gary Lineker for shocking dive against Norwich
But in a sign the Armenian knows his days at Old Trafford are numbered, he gather together team-mates at training for a group picture.
It could be a farewell snap for Mkhitaryan to remember as he smiles with a group including Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini.
Latest Arsenal news
For the time being, though, the deal is still on hold - and Wenger says until he is no longer an Arsenal player Sanchez will still be considered as an option.
And Wenger says that includes the possibility of the 29-year-old being named in the Gunners starting line-up for the clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Gunners boss said today: "There is a chance he could play on Saturday."
The Gunners boss will have to decide if he believes Sanchez is in the right frame of mind to be totally committed before he includes him in his squad.
And United would be looking on anxiously if he was involved against Palace to make sure he does not get struck by any injury.
Mkhitaryan's position at Old Trafford means he is well out of Jose Mourinho's plans so it is unlikely he would be involved at Turf Moor on Saturday.