Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United was thought to have been held up by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s move in the opposite direction to Arsenal.
It was claimed the two clubs had decided to divide the deals to work on them separately, with Sanchez moving to Old Trafford for a fee in the region of £35million.
However, sensational new reports from BBC journalist David Ornstein claim the two sides have come to an agreement for a straight swap deal with no fees.
“Exclusive: Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan agrees move to Arsenal in a deal that will see Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez go opposite way,” Ornstein tweeted.
“It’s a straight swap, no money involved. Paperwork complete, Mkhitaryan will undergo a medical over the next two days.”
Sanchez is known to be in Manchester already for his medical after getting the call yesterday while with his Arsenal team-mates.
The Chile international is said to have said his goodbyes before rushing up north to finalise his move to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho confirmed this was the case following United’s 1-0 win over Burnely and admitted an agreement was very close.
“Mr [Ed]Woodward is working hard, everybody is giving everything they can, and I think they will be successful,” he said.
“Expect soon or never. So close, so close, so close, if it doesn’t happen it’s not going to happen.
“I know my people are doing absolutely everything they can. I think they will be successful.”
Mkhitaryan was thought to be the sticking point in negotiations with Arsene Wenger stressing the “co-ordination” of the deal involving both players.
However, speaking after the Gunners’ 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, the Frenchman seemed optimistic it would be finalised.
“I expect it to happen, but I can’t announce it. In the next 48 hours it will be decided. Until it’s over the line you can’t say it will happen,” Wenger said.
“If you want to have a bit, it could happen.
“It happens only one way, if the other way happens as well. That’s why it takes longer as well because it is co-ordinated.
“I half announce today Sanchez/Mkhitaryan because it’s likely to happen. The rest, we are not close at all to anything.”
