Alexis Sanchez 'leaves Arsenal team hotel' as he gets green light to join Manchester United - reports
Alexis Sanchez set to move to Manchester United after he 'said his farewells' to his Arsenal team-mate
Alexis Sanchez is reported to have left the Arsenal team hotel late on Friday evening after being given the green light to seal his lucrative move to Manchester United.
Sanchez was part of the Arsenal squad preparing for Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace, with the delay over his move to United giving boss Arsene Wenger the chance to include him in his plans for the game.
A swap deal involving United midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan has been under discussion in recent days, with Sanchez believed to have agreed all aspects of his contract with the Old Trafford club at the start of this week.
His much-discussed four-a-half-year contract reported to be worth up to £500,000-a-week has been the talk of football in recent days, yet the expectation that the deal would be confirmed in time for Sanchez to make his debut for United against Burnley on Saturday came to nothing.
Mkhitaryan's agent Mino Raiola are believed to have been in detailed talks with both clubs in the last 48 hours, with the Armenian international believed to be entitled to a settlement payment from United before he moves to Arsenal.
Now there are widespread reports that the clubs are open to the prospect of doing two separate transfers rather than a swap deal, which may make negotiations easier.
Mkhitaryan is believed to have said his farewells to United team-mates on Friday after he took part in training and now there is an expectation that medicals for the two players will take place over the course of this weekend.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up on why his club stepped away from a deal to sign Sanchez, as he admitted his club would not match the inflated wages and agents fees on offer from United.
"Normally we try to be stable with the wages of the players because I think it is good for the team and stability of the club," stated Guardiola.
"In the past, what the club did, was at that price. What happened last summer, everything increased amazingly. You have to adapt to that.
"I think the price in the summertime will be higher than this winter. Sometimes you have to anticipate that.
"We've spent a lot of money, we can't deny that, but I've never put pressure on a club when they believe it is too much.
"Immediately I accept that decision and move forward to find another solution. The stability of the club is the most important thing."
