Alexis Sanchez transfer: How Henrikh Mkhitaryan could help Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join Arsenal

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Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan would prefer a move to Borussia Dortmund rather than Arsenal, with the German club investigating bringing him back in this window.

The situation is interlinked with Alexis Sanchez's prospective switch to Old Trafford, given that United have offered the Armenian as part of the deal, but it is understood any refusal to go to the Emirates would not prevent the Chilean's transfer.

It would smooth things, but United's interest is such that they will still look to force the deal through. Mkhitaryan could yet influence the deal in other ways, and have a domino effect.

If he insists on going to Dortmund, that would mean United having to pay full price of £35m for Sanchez.

That would in turn mean Arsenal still requiring an alternative, with Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang an option. The German club have had problems with the Gabonese international this season, having dropped him twice, but could only afford an alternative if he left, and that would then free up the budget to resign Mkhitaryan.

Up until now, there has been too great a distance between Mkhitaryan's wage demands and Dortmund's position, with his agent Mino Raiola determined to get him as good a deal as possible.

That is an issue that has also arisen between Mkhitaryan and Arsenal. Sources also say that the Armenian generally wants to leave the Premier League, while Jose Mourinho wants to bring his squad size down to 22.

Mkhitaryan was left out of United's squad to face Stoke on Monday evening with Mourinho explaining his decision came down to the uncertainty regarding a potential move.

"I would lie if I said it was just a pure tactical decision," he said. "It was just a choice of the players that we know, that in this moment, they have 100 per cent their heads in Manchester United, and no doubts about the future.

"I don't think it's easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. It's an added pressure that a player doesn't need, so I think it's the best for him and for us, while the doubt is in the air, to protect him."