Alexis Sanchez's Manchester United transfer 'likely' to happen admits Arsene Wenger confirms swap deal is close

He also confirmed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan's 'wages will not be a problem' for the Gunners

Alexis Sanchez “likely” to move to Manchester United after Arsene Wenger confirmed a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan is on the cards and that “the wages will not be a problem” for Arsenal.

Wenger admitted he expects the move to happen in the next 24 hours after revealing it is his “understanding” that Mkhitaryan will move in the opposite direction.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s home game with Crystal Palace – where Mkhitaryan could make his debut – Wenger was still cautious that the move could still not happen in time for the weekend.

“It can happen, it can as well not happen. It is as that stage,” he said. ““Yes it is likely to happen. But any minute things can break down. That’s how the transfer market is. These things are never guaranteed.”

When asked if Mkhitaryan would move in the opposite direction, he replied: “Yes that is my understanding. I like the player. The wages will not be a problem.”

He also revealed he did not regret not selling Sanchez in the summer, with Manchester City willing to pay double what United are now – although it fell through as Wenger was unable to secure a replacement.

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“Look, the problem was similar to what it is today. I only accept to let him go if somebody comes in instead of him,” he added. “I would have let him go in the summer but it [getting a replacement] didn’t happen.”

When asked about whether Arsenal could have done anymore to keep Sanchez, and if they could financially compete with the money United and City were offering Wenger honestly replied: “Financially yes, but that doesn't mean you cannot compete on the pitch.

“I respect Manchester United because they generate the resources they pay to their players themselves.

“We did the maximum we could afford to do.”