Mkhitaryan has been offered as a makeweight in the deal for Sanchez

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s agent claimed yesterday that his client holds the key to Alexis Sánchez’s proposed transfer to Manchester United.

Mino Raiola, who also counts Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku among his clients, told The Times that Sánchez’s move to Old Trafford will only go through if the United midfielder agrees to join Arsenal in a swap deal. “Manchester United is not going to sign Sánchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal,” Raiola said.

United have put together a package that they value at £35 million for Sánchez and Ed Woodward, the United executive vice-chairman, is hopeful of signing the forward. Sánchez is Mourinho’s top target in this month’s transfer window but the Chile player is also of interest to Chelsea.

The goals that have made Sánchez hot property

Antonio Conte, however, suggested last