Sanchez transfer hinges on Mkhitaryan deal, says agent

Manchester United's bid to sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal hinges on Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving the other way, the Armenian player's agent said Tuesday as Antonio Conte distanced Chelsea from a potential deal. Chile international Sanchez, who appears to have played his last game for Arsenal, had been strongly linked with a move to either Manchester United or Manchester City and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has also spoken of his admiration for the player.

BREAKING: Henrikh Mkhitaryan's agent tells Sky Sports News @ManUtd's proposed move for Alexis Sanchez will only go ahead if Mkhitaryan agrees terms with @Arsenal. #SSN pic.twitter.com/EphrwUdIP4

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 16, 2018

The player, who is out of contract this summer, had appeared certain to sign for Pep Guardiola's team after a transfer fell through in August but it is understood City have pulled out of the race for the 29-year-old due to the costs involved.

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Also Read: Mourinho relaxed about Sanchez joining United

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There has been speculation Mkhitaryan will be offered as a makeweight from United to land Sanchez, and Mourinho left the playmaker out of the squad to face Stoke on Monday due to "doubts about his future". Mkhitaryan's agent Mino Raiola told Britain's Times newspaper that Sanchez's transfer to United was reliant on his client joining Arsenal as part of the deal.

⚠️TRANSFER CENTRE⚠️ Busy, busy day so far... Mkhitaryan/Sanchez a straight swap? ⏫⏬ Conte unsure over Sanchez approach ? Walcott's Everton medical ?‍♂️ Chelsea make Carroll contact ☎️ Plus more here ?? https://t.co/ZfJqM91S5k pic.twitter.com/xQsrcOXpDj

— Sky Sports PL (@SkySportsPL) January 16, 2018

"Manchester United are not going to sign Sanchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal," Raiola told the newspaper. "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. Sanchez is part of the Mkhi deal, not the other way around." Conte last week described any potential cut-priced deal for the Chile striker as a great opportunity but he told reporters on Tuesday that he did not believe Chelsea were trying to sign the player.

Mkhitaryan likely to be paid off by United (could come out of Sanchez fee). Arsenal's transfer dealings once again affected by the Premier League Short Term Cost Control rules. Walcott departure set to free up further wage space, Debuchy could go too. https://t.co/JNYsoFTkUE

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 16, 2018