Jose Mourinho declared Alexis Sanchez’s transfer to Manchester United “so close” to completion on Sunday with Arsene Wenger saying that the Chile striker had travelled north to complete the swap deal that will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan join Arsenal.

After United’s 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, with a goal from Anthony Martial, Mourinho said that he expected an announcement imminently. “I expect [the transfer to be completed] soon or never,” he said.

“I think is so close, so close, so close that if it doesn't happen [now] it's not going to happen so I am positive, I know my people is doing everything they can, the owners with the green light, Mr [Ed] Woodward and Matt Judge [head of corporate development, with responsibility for contracts] working hard and everybody is giving everything they can and I think they are going to be successful.”

Asked about the effect on his attacking players, Mourinho said: “We look to the attacking areas and we need that extra competitive internal competition and more solutions for us.” Mkhitaryan was not in the United squad.

Wenger said that he considered including Sanchez in his squad that beat Crystal Palace 4-1, before the 29-year-old was given permission to end his three-and-a-half years at Arsenal. “I was tempted but I didn't take him because there is the question of him moving to Manchester United,” said Wenger.