Manchester United Transfer News: Henrikh Mkhitaryan 'Dream' Revealed by Agent

The agent of Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mino Raiola, has revealed Manchester United are the player's “dream club” and expressed his desire to make sure the transfer happens this summer, even though BVB have no intention of selling. 

Speaking to Bild (h/t Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst), Raiola admitted Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke will not let the Armenian leave the club for now, but he still hopes a solution can be found:

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We have both taken very different views and fight for them like lions. Watzke walks 180 degrees into one direction and I 180 degrees into the other. But even though it does not look like it right now, I still hope for a sensible solution.

Such an offer to join Manchester United might only come once in a lifetime for a player and nobody can guarantee us that the door will still be open for Micki next season. Manchester are Micki’s dream club, he wants to join them by any means.

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The agent also confirmed reports United made a £18.5 million offer for the attacking midfielder, which was rejected.

He refused to speculate on whether the Red Devils should increase their offer, but reports from Germany claim that won't matter. Per Bild (h/t Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney), Dortmund are committed to a title push next season:

Mkhitaryan's current deal will expire in the summer of 2017, and most clubs would decide to cash in now rather than lose one of their star players for free. BVB aren't most clubs, however―they've allowed players like Robert Lewandowski to move on free transfers in the past, rather than sell them before their contracts ran out.

Die Schwartzgelben have already invested in a number of talented youngsters this summer, including star midfielder Emre Mor and highly rated Ousmane Dembele. Both could eventually replace Mkhitaryan, but they'll likely need some time to adapt to the Bundesliga.

SASCHA SCHURMANN/Getty Images

The 27-year-old played a key role for Dortmund last season, scoring 11 goals and adding 15 assists in the Bundesliga, per WhoScored.com. He was one of the top midfielders in Europe, and it's easy to see why clubs like United are vying for his signature.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The former Shakhtar Donetsk star needed some time to find his feet at Signal Iduna Park, but he has become one of the club's most influential figures and one of the main reasons behind their success.

Replacing his production would be next to impossible this summer, and with star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also frequently mentioned as a target for a host of top clubs, Dortmund's desire to chase the Bundesliga crown next year before they potentially lose both is understandable. Per Bild (h/t Whitney), the Gabon international has opted against a move this summer.

United could use a player of Mkhitaryan's calibre. The Armenia international can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger. He can distribute the ball from an advanced position and does a great job picking out players making runs into the box, and he's a terror on the counter-attack.

He'd fill an immediate need on the right wing and would be a likely replacement for Juan Mata, with Anthony Martial sliding in on the left. But he could also play in a central role behind the main striker, giving United manager Jose Mourinho plenty of options.

ESPN FC's Alex Shaw is optimistic a deal could still take place, especially now it's clear Mkhitaryan is desperate for a move:

Dortmund are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, however, and it would take a massive offer to convince them to sell. United could just sign Mkhitaryan to a pre-contract in January, but Mourinho will be eager to add new pieces to his squad now and target immediate success.

This transfer saga has the potential to turn ugly as the summer progresses and Raiola continues to talk to the media. But unless Mkhitaryan threatens to sit out the season and forces Dortmund's hand, Die Schwartzgelben hold all of the cards.

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