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Alexis Sanchez's Man Utd move hinges on Henrikh Mkhitaryan agreeing Arsenal deal

Sky Sports News understands any transfer will be straight player swap

Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Image: Henrikh Mkhitaryan is currently considering an offer to move to the Gunners as part of a deal that will see United sign Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez's move to Manchester United is hinged on Henrikh Mkhitaryan agreeing terms with Arsenal.

That is according to the Armenia international's agent Mino Raiola, who has told Sky Sports News that "Sanchez is part of Mkhi's deal. Not the other way around. Without him, Sanchez simply cannot go to United".

Alexis Sanchez
Image: Manchester United are frontrunners to land Alexis Sanchez after Man City pulled out

The agent, who counts Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku among his clients, says he proposed the 'Sanchez to Old Trafford, Mkhitaryan to Arsenal' deal more than six weeks ago.

Sky Sports News understands United are leading the chase to sign the Chile international after Manchester City withdrew from negotiations over cost, but Chelsea also hold an interest in the player.

Italian-born Dutch football agent Mino Raiola speaks to journalists on September 2, 2016 during presentation of Nice's football club new signings at the Al
Image: Agent Mino Raiola represents Henrikh Mkhitaryan among other United players

But it is understood that, if an agreement can be reached with Arsenal, the deal will be a straight player swap and will not include United paying a transfer fee for Sanchez.

Mkhitaryan has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, starting only one Premier League game in over two months.

Raiola told Sky Sports News: "Mkhi's problems at Man Utd are purely related to playing football. He has no problem with the manager. It is not personal. And he has two and a half years left on his contract. He doesn't have to leave."

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bri
Image: Antonio Conte has said he does not know if Chelsea are trying to sign Sanchez

When asked to rate the chances of a deal being agreed with Arsenal, Raiola said: "At this moment low, but life is dynamic.

"This is a great deal for Arsenal. They need better, younger players and they have to invest. So it's up to Arsenal to put a deal in place and right now a deal is a long way off."

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