Man United-Arsenal swap deal 'depends on Mkhitaryan's decision'January 16, 2018 - 17:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan's agent, Mino Raiola, says the Armenia international holds the key to United’s pursuit of Alexis Sánchez, The Times reports. United emerged as favourites to sign Sánchez last night after Manchester City pulled out of the race to sign the Chile forward from Arsenal because of fears about the spiraling cost of the whole package, including add-ons and agent fees. United are willing to meet the £35 million asking price for the 29-year-old, but offered Mkhitaryan, the Armenian, as part of the deal. Raiola, who represents Mkhitaryan, said on Tuesday, January 16 morning: “Manchester United are not going to sign Sánchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal.” "Sanchez is part of the Mkhi deal, not the other way around." United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted, meanwhile, that he dropped Mkhitaryan for the clash against Stoke because of speculation about his future. Mourinho claimed he was trying to "protect" the Armenian by leaving him out. He said: "I would lie if I said it was a pure tactical decision. “I don’t think it’s easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. "It’s best for him and us, while doubt is in air, to protect him." Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Kazakh Foreign Minister arrives in Armenia Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu on Monday, March 18 arrived in Armenia for a two-day trip. Aliyev touts “good chances” for normalizing ties with Armenia Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared that there are “good chances” for normalizing relations with Armenia. Putin secures fifth term as Russian president Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured a fifth term in office through a dubious national plebiscite. Top Armenian, Indian defense officials discuss cooperation The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in the defence sector between Armenia and India. |