Mino Raiola says Henrikh Mkhitaryan will only leave Manchester United for Arsenal if the deal is right for him.
But the Italian agent has angrily dismissed suggestions the Armenian is merely a makeweight in the deal taking Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford, declaring: "Sanchez is part of the Mkhi deal, not the other way around".
United have made a big-money offer to Sanchez, who is set on leaving the Emirates.
Manchester City have pulled out over what they believe were escalating costs, despite Sanchez's desire to again work with Pep Guardiola.
And Chelsea have also been linked with a late move - Antonio Conte is a long-time fan of the 29-year-old - it is United who are in pole position.
The Gunners were keen to take Anthony Martial in part-exchange, but United have made clear that they have no desire to part with the young Frenchman.
As such, the Gunners' new head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, has pointed Wenger in the direction of out-of-favour Mkhitaryan - and according to Raiola, the Armenian holds the key to the potential double transfer between Premier League rivals.
"Manchester United is not going to sign Sánchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal," announced Raiola, speaking to The Times.
“Mkhi has not decided yet. Mkhi is going to do what is best for him. He has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, so it’s his decision.”
Mirror Sport understands Mkhitaryan is open to a move to the Emirates, and that living in London holds an appeal to the Armenian.
However, Mkhitaryan will hold out on a move unless the deal is right for him.
He's currently paid £180,000-a-week at Old Trafford - more than Arsenal's current top earners - and Arsenal will need to match that figure.
Additionally, because he hasn't asked to leave, United will have pay him off in order to get a deal done, and thus take Sanchez to the north west.