Revealed: Players Arsenal wanted over Mkhitaryan in Man Utd swap

Oli Fisher

Arsenal made an approach for Manchester United defender Luke Shaw while in negotiations over Alexis Sanchez, The Sun claims.

Sanchez is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford on Monday, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan headed the other way.

The two sides have been locked in negotiations for over a week, with Arsenal initially hoping to discuss the availability of Anthony Martial as part of the Sanchez sale.

United rejected that approach out of hand, considering Martial an asset far more valuable than the £35m Arsenal wanted for Sanchez.

But The Sun report that Arsenal made another ‘secret move’ for a different player before eventually settling on Mkhitaryan.

Alan Nixon claims Arsenal are fans of Shaw, and asked whether he could be included in the swap deal.

United turned down that offer even despite Shaw’s struggles since joining the club in 2014. The left-back has found it difficult to establish himself under Jose Mourinho, but has slowly worked his way into contention this season.

 

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