Raiola: Sanchez to United contingent on Mkhitaryan joining Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez will only get his early Arsenal exit to Old Trafford if out-of-favour Manchester United attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan agrees to join the Gunners, according to the Armenia international's agent, Mino Raiola.

Mkhitaryan is the key factor for Sanchez's potential move to the Red Devils, and is pondering a switch to Arsene Wenger's ranks after being reduced to a bench role at United.

The former Borussia Dortmund star hasn't enjoyed life under Jose Mourinho, who dropped him from the team entirely in United's latest tilt against Stoke City. The Portuguese tactician said his decision wasn't purely tactical and had to do with the uncertainty surrounding Mkhitaryan's future at the club.

But Raiola insisted his client won't be forced out of Old Trafford against his will.

"Manchester United is not going to sign Sanchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal," Raiola told The Times, as quoted by Rob Dawson of ESPN FC.

"Mkhi has not decided yet."

Raiola continued: "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 has featured in just six of United's last 16 matches after falling down the pecking order due to a poor spell of form despite a strong start to the 2017-18 campaign. The Armenian has recorded five assists this season, but the last of those came in August against Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Sanchez has been the subject of interest from the likes of United, Chelsea, and Manchester City this January ahead of the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. Front-runner City seemed set to complete a winter transfer, but reportedly pulled out of the race amid interest from the aforementioned two teams.

On the Sanchez front, Mourinho offered that he's "relaxed" and open to a deal, should one be completed.