Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal draws closer

Manchester United and Arsenal both hope that big new signings could be ready to play at the weekend, as the effective swap of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alexis Sanchez draws closer.

The fine details of Sanchez’s move to Old Trafford have been finalised, with the Chilean set to sign a contract until 2022 that will give him wages of over £400,000. United are also willing to pay agents’ fees of up to £10m that both Manchester City and Chelsea balked at.

Among a few reasons that Arsenal favoured United’s offer over City’s was because Mkhitaryan was put forward as a potential replacement, and Arsene Wenger believes the player can thrive at the Emirates in a way that hasn't really happened at Old Trafford.

The Armenian was initially cool on the move, and wanted to become Arsenal’s best paid player to go, but sources close to proceedings say there has been significant progress over the last 24 hours.

READ MORE: Jose ‘would gladly swap Mkhitaryan for Sanchez’

While nothing is signed yet and there is haggling over whether Arsenal match his plus-£150,000 wages at United, the general feeling about the move has changed, and it is seen as quite likely rather than having a slim chance.

Up until Tuesday night, most were instead talking about how difficult it was to do, with Mkhitaryan's agent Mino Raiola stating that the player would only decide when ready. The situation has now changed to the extent that sources are now talking about players making club debuts this weekend.

Borussia Dortmund had been hopeful of bringing their former player back to the Westfalonstadion, given that a return was initially Mkhitaryan's first preference, but it is illustrative of the state of play that sources close to the German club now say there is "nearly a 0% chance" of that happening due to the Arsenal situation.

United travel to Burnley on Saturday, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace on the same day.