Arsenal Transfer News: Henrikh Mkhitaryan Progress Made, Latest Rumours

Progress has reportedly been made on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's proposed move to Arsenal during the January transfer window. The Manchester United schemer could move to north London as part of a deal sending Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford this month.

Mkhitaryan's agent, Mino Raiola, had told Sky Sports News Sanchez won't join United unless Mkhitaryan becomes an Arsenal player, Yet Miguel Delaney of The Independent has reported what a crucial change of heart from the Armenia international means for the deal's chances:

"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.

"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."

Delaney also noted how Mkhitaryan's former club Borussia Dortmund "now say there is 'nearly a 0% chance'" of the player returning to the Bundesliga due to Arsenal's interest.

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This marks a significant change in proceedings after Mkhitaryan and his agent were reportedly setting some lofty demands. Raiola had asked for an increase on his client's £150,000 weekly wage at United, as well as an agent's fee of more than £5 million, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

Arsenal are in an awkward position after offering Sanchez £300,000 per week to stay, a figure Raiola is using to get Mkhitaryan more money, according to the London Evening Standard's James Olley.

Raiola may be frustrating both clubs, but ESPN.co.uk's Mark Ogden has defended the agent, even though Mkhitaryan would suit the Gunners:

Mkhitaryan's future looks set to be away from United after the player was present but did not participate in training on Wednesday, per Metro.

If there is now a greater willingness on both sides to get a deal done, it's possible Mkhitaryan and Sanchez could be playing for new clubs as early as this weekend. Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News spelled out what it will take for that to happen:

As a replacement for Sanchez, Mkhitaryan is hardly like for like, since his creative instincts outweigh how prolific he is in front of goal. Even so, there is still a lot to recommend securing Mkhitaryan's signature as part of the deal.

The Armenian boasts the artistry and vision sure to endear him to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

On Wenger's watch, the Gunners play a style based around attacking flair, and it's easy to believe Mkhitaryan would dovetail well with fellow technicians Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey.

Signing Mkhitaryan would provide insurance in case Ozil, whose contract is also up in the summer, moves on. The Germany international is wanted by Serie A giants Juventus, according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Eren Sarigul of Turkish-Football.com).

Although he's struggled at times during his United career, Mkhitaryan has still produced moments of brilliance since joining in 2016. The 28-year-old scored the winner in last season's UEFA Europa League final, before beginning this campaign with five assists.

However, the ex-Dortmund man hasn't always been a fit in the pragmatic planning of United manager Jose Mourinho. However, James Benge of the London Evening Standard rightly pointed out how other prominent attackers have since excelled after floundering under the Portuguese:

Benge's examples are interesting since Kevin De Bruyne has thrived at Manchester City, where manager Pep Guardiola coaches a progressive brand of football. Similarly, Mohamed Salah has taken off under the tutelage of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who managed Mkhitaryan at Dortmund, and his high-pressing, attack-first approach.

It would be up to Wenger to have a similar impact on Mkhitaryan. As Sky Sports News subeditor Chris Woods pointed out, Mkhitaryan has previously expressed an interest in playing for the Frenchman:

Wenger has strangely been viewed by many as a secondary figure in Arsenal's pursuit of Mkhitaryan. Instead, the Gunners' new head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, who signed the player for Dortmund, is considered the catalyst.

Yet while Mislintat has had a big role to play, Arsenal were also keen on Mkhitaryan before his arrival. The Gunners scouted the player ahead of a possible move in March 2016, per David Hytner and Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian.

Mkhitaryan is the type of cerebral No. 10 Wenger has traditionally built different teams around. Landing the player in exchange for Sanchez, who would have left for free this summer, would rate as a minor coup for the beleaguered manager.