Ian Wright questions Arsenal's pursuit of Manchester United outcast Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 'It all feels panicky'

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes his old club's decision to pursue Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Borrusia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'all feels a bit panicky'.

The attacking duo, who played together at Borussia Dortmund, are set to replace star man Alexis Sanchez, who is preparing to leave the Gunners for Manchester United this month.

And while both have pedigree in Europe's elite competitions, former Arsenal striker Wright is adamant the moves feel 'forced' on the club.  

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to join Arsenal in a swap deal with Chile ace Alexis Sanchez 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also on Arsene Wenger's radar in a bid to boost firepower

'Everything that is happening is being forced on them through other people,’ Wright told Sky Sports. 

‘Mkhitaryan is not a player Arsenal have been after – he’s a player that Arsenal have been handed. 

‘It’s the same with Aubameyang – a couple of years ago, he was on everyone’s radar but now he’s gone a bit cold. Then all of a sudden, he’s on Arsenal’s radar – it all feels panicky for me.’ 

Arsenal's new head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, is said to be a major driving force behind the pursuits having brought the Armenian midfielder and Gabon striker to the Westfalenstadion.

Ian Wright has queried whether Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang can fill the void left by Sanchez

The north London side have also been tipped to complete a deal ahead of rivals Tottenham for Bordeaux ace Malcom, but for Wright there remains question marks about whether any of these players could have an immediate impact in the absence of Sanchez.

'Of course they are both quality players,' Wright continued. 

'But if you are losing Sanchez, you need players that will hit the ground running. I’m not sure about Mkhitaryan’s state of mind right now.’ 

Armenian Mkhitaryan has found himself out of favour under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, featuring in three of the last 10 league games.

And Aubameyang, who was suspended from Sunday's goalless draw with Wolfsburg after missing a team meeting, has regularly had his attitude questioned as he looks to force through his exit from the Bundesliga club.