The Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan transfer saga between Manchester United and Arsenal really seems to be dragging on. Sure feels like it, doesn’t it? Well this very protracted saga will all be over, one way or another, in the next two days. Both players have reportedly already said goodbye to their respective teams, with Mkhitaryan reportedly getting a bit emotional.
According to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger the decision will be made in the next 48 hours.
“I didn’t take him (to the Gunners 4-1 win over Crystal Palace) because there is a question of him moving to Manchester United. You cannot drive up north and as well play football,” Wenger told his press conference on Saturday.
These comments, when you read in between the lines, seem to potentially affirm the story reported last night that Sanchez was dismissed from the team hotel in order to complete his United transfer.
“I expect it to happen maybe, but I cannot announce it. Because in the next 48 hours it will be decided one way or the other… It happens only one way, if the other way happens as well. That’s why it takes longer as well because it is coordinated.”
“Sanchez will only happen if Mkhitaryan comes here, that will be decided in the next 48 hours. It is a possibility,” Wenger was also quoted by the BBC.
Meanwhile on the other side, United boss Jose Mourinho maintains that we’re very close to the end of the talks, with the deal potentially closing soon. The Portugese is very optimistic in the deal reaching completion.
“It’s so close, so close, so close that if it doesn’t happen, it’s not going to happen,” Mourinho said after United won at Burnley 1-0 today.
“I’m positive, I know my people are doing everything, absolutely everything they can, the owners with the green light, Mr Woodward working hard, everybody is giving everything they can, and I think they will be successful.”
So there you go- the Mkhitaryan, Sanchez, United, Arsenal transfer drama should all be done soon.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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