Arsenal’s pursuit of Henrikh Mkhitaryan hinges on whether the attacker is paid off by Manchester United due to his contract running for another two years, Goal understands.
The Gunners are hopeful of securing Mkhitaryan as part of a deal which will see Alexis Sanchez move the other way, although neither club are prepared to sanction the transfer unless the Armenia international agrees to join Arsene Wenger’s side this month.
Mkhitaryan's agent Mino Raiola is also determined to secure a fee for himself as part of his involvement in brokering the deal.
Arsenal are requesting a flat fee of £35million for Alexis, and Raiola says Mkhitaryan will play a pivotal role in the outcome of their negotiations with United.