Arsenal will request a big Man United star as part of a deal to sell Alexis Sanchez - report

United are reportedly ready to pay a bigger up front fee than their local rivals Manchester City to land Sanchez, while there is also a suggestion that they are prepared to part with star players in a bid to secure the services of their 29-year-old target.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in recent days, but London's biggest newspaper are now claiming Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will revive his interest in Anthony Martial as he looks to find a replacement for Sanchez.

Wenger tried and failed to sign Martial when he moved to United in the summer of 2015, with Wenger linked with a move for the French forward on several occasions over the last couple of years.

Martial - who has often been compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry - has been something of a fringe player for Mourinho during his time as United boss, with his relaxed attitude not appearing to appeal to the Portuguese tactician.

Yet he has turned in some fine performances for United this season, with Mourinho pouring praise on his forward as he turned around his fortunes at the club.

"I see a great improvement in the person, in the mood, in the face, in the body language," Mourinho said of Martial.

"If you want just a word, in the happiness. He's a happy guy, he’s working extremely well. He starts matches, he tries to do well.

"He goes from the bench, even if it is for 10 minutes, he tries to enjoy and try to give something in these extra minutes. I am very pleased with his attitude overall and then it’s easier to play well."

It remains to be seen whether Mourinho's eagerness to sign Sanchez would encourage him to part with Martial, with this compelling transfer story rapidly heading towards a conclusion in the next few days.