Mourinho thinks Sanchez deal will happen: 'Expect soon or never'

Alexis Sanchez is nearly a Manchester United player, according to manager Jose Mourinho.

"Expect soon or never. So close, so close, so close, if it doesn't happen (soon), it is not going to happen," Mourinho told the BBC after Saturday's 1-0 win over Burnley. "I know my people (are) doing absolutely everything they can. I think they will be successful."

The worst-kept secret in football became public knowledge this week as Mourinho and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger openly discussed the deal with reporters.

Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were held out of their respective squads Saturday, with Wenger confirming that the Chilean had already begun making the trip north.

Mkhitaryan is expected to make his way to north London as Sanchez's replacement. Negotiations between the Armenian and the Gunners are down to the final details, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Wenger insisted that the transfer will only go through if Mkhitaryan and his representatives reach an agreement with Arsenal.

"Sanchez will only happen if Mkhitaryan comes here. That will be decided in the next 48 hours," the Frenchman said. "It is a possibility."

Wenger's side was unaffected by the speculation, scoring a massive 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace to stay in the hunt for a Champions League berth.