Wenger: Why Arsenal want to sign Mkhitaryan from United

Matt Stead

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that swapping Alexis Sanchez for Henrikh Mkhitaryan is likely this month.

The Gunners are on the verge of selling Sanchez to Manchester United, with Mkhitaryan headed the other way.

Wenger confirmed in his press conference on Thursday that he “likes” Mkhitaryan, and is eager for him to join.

Asked whether he is a fan of the player, the Frenchman replied: “Yes, of course. I like the player.

“We played many times against him. He appreciates the quality of our game and the way we play football.

“That’s why he loves the club as well.”

Wenger added that Sanchez’s departure for Old Trafford “is likely to happen,” but “can break down” at any point.

“That’s how the transfer market is,” he added. “These things are never guaranteed.”

Mkhitaryan’s wages are thought to be something of a stumbling block, with the player requesting a ‘Sanchez-level salary’.

But Wenger was insistent that was not the case, stating that “the wages will not be a problem”.