Alexis Sanchez could make Man Utd debut on SATURDAY as Arsenal swoop to do Aubameyang deal

Sanchez is expected to arrive at Old Trafford within the next 48 hours and could even make his debut at Burnley this weekend.

United will pay £25m cash to Arsenal and include Mkhitaryan as part of the deal.

They will then hand Sanchez a huge signing-on fee of £25m while agent Fernando Felicevich will bank £5m.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are already starting to prepare for life without the Chilean sensation.

They are closing in on a deal for Mkhitaryan while reports today surfaced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has agreed personal terms with the Gunners.

Jose Mourinho admitted on Monday night that his side “have a chance” to sign Alexis Sanchez in this window, with previous suitors Manchester City understood to have now exited the race for the 29-year-old due to the cost involved.

Mkhitaryan’s agent Mino Raiola muddied the waters by claiming that Sanchez’s transfer to United is reliant on his client joining Arsenal as part of the deal.

“Manchester United are not going to sign Sanchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal,” Raiola told The Times.

“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.”

Mkhitaryan was one of Mourinho’s first signings in the summer of 2016 but has struggled for consistency.

He scored 11 goals last term having started just one Premier League game in the first four months of the campaign. After beginning this season brightly, providing five assists in the first three top-flight games, Mkhitaryan’s form has once again dipped and he has not scored for Mourinho’s side since September.

“Is he going to be involved in one deal and leave us? It’s possible but it’s also possible that he stays,” Mourinho said after the 3-0 win over Stoke.

Manchester United star Phil Jones was questioned about the Sanchez deal and admitted he is the sort of player that would improve any side.

The England ace said: “We just go about what we do best. Keep playing, it’s not up to us, it’s not down to us. We know just as much as you guys.

“If someone new comes in the door then obviously it’s a positive move for United, but it’s not up to us, we just do the business on the pitch.

“Yeah, he’s a good player. But it doesn’t mean to say he’s going to come to United. We’ll have to see.”

It emerged last night that Chelsea were interested in a possible deal but that now appears off the cards.

Boss Antonio Conte last Friday spoke of his admiration for Sanchez and described any potential cut-priced deal for the Chile striker as a great opportunity.

The Italian was evasive when quizzed on Chelsea’s interest in the player, taking his usual stance in deferring matters of recruitment to the club.

Asked if Chelsea were actively seeking to sign Sanchez, Conte said: “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I don’t know, but I don’t think so.”

Conte, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup third-round replay at home to Norwich, was reluctant to discuss the transfer market.

“About the transfer market, I prefer to talk to the club, also to give opinions,” he added.

“I repeat: I don’t want to give my opinion about the transfer market.”

The move took a hilarious twist today when Oldham player Ryan McLaughlin‏ demanded the League One side “announce alexis Sanchez”.

But they responded: “The club can confirm that no offer has been made for Alexis Sanchez. Grow up, Ryan.”