Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal from Manchester United in January, a deal that saw Alexis Sanchez move to Old Trafford.
The Armenia international had fallen out of favour with his former United boss Jose Mourinho and Wenger is perhaps realising why the Portuguese was willing to offload him.
Wenger has no complaints with his new signing’s work rate but clearly feels he has a long way to go to match Sanchez’s impact at the Emirates.
“He has worked very hard and he gave a positive performance in Ostersund last week,” said Wenger in the Arsenal programme for tonight’s Europa League second leg.
“He adapts slowly to the team and overall he had a positive game.”
Wenger seemed happy enough after signing Mkhitaryan last month, hailing him as a ‘very complete player’.
There was no mention of adapting slowly.
“Henrik is a very complete player,” said Wenger. “He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well.
“I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”
Mkhitaryan was dropped by Mourinho earlier this season with the United boss criticising the big-money signing from Borussia Dortmund.
“I was not happy with his last performances,” said Mourinho at the end of November.
“It’s not one or two, I am talking about three, four or five.
“He started well this season but his performance levels. goalscoring, assists, high pressing, bringing the team with him as No 10, were decreasing step by step.”