Alexis Sanchez is expected to join Manchester United – with Henrikh Mkhitaryan signing for Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Arsene Wenger is signing the wrong Manchester United star in the proposed swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez, according to Charlie Nicholas.

Sanchez’s imminent move to Old Trafford will result in Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading in the opposite direction, if he agrees personal terms with the Gunners.

But former Arsenal forward Nicholas believes Arsenal should be trying to secure a deal for Anthony Martial rather than Mkhitaryan.

‘I know Merse [Paul Merson] is a massive fan of Mkhitaryan and I appreciate he is efficient and a decent team player,’ Nicholas told Sky Sports. ‘Would I take the deal? Yes, I would.

‘But to be totally honest I’d much rather pay an additional £50m to get Martial.’

Martial, 22, cost United over £50m when they signed him from Monaco in 2015 and Nicholas says his former club should go ‘all-in’ to bring him to the Emirates.

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He added: ‘I think if Arsenal would say to Martial: “You can be the next Thierry Henry.” Arsenal made £30m on selling Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, £20m on Theo Walcott, so go all-in.

‘Forget Malcom or other players who may or may not be good prospects, go all-in and give him what he wants financially.

‘In the summer Arsenal were willing to take Raheem Sterling but Martial is a far better player and could become one of the best in the world.

‘I would hope Arsene Wenger would be talking to his agent, who will already know he is going to struggle for playing time majorly with Sanchez arriving, and saying, “Come here where we’ll build the team around him”.’

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has struggled at Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Charlie Nicholas would love to see Anthony Martial at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

Mkhitaryan has endured a turbulent spell at Manchester United since his £30m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, scoring just five goals in 39 league games.

Despite his struggles at Old Trafford, Paul Merson says he would be a ‘sensation’ at Arsenal, telling Sky Sports: ‘I am a big fan.

‘I watched him at Dortmund, where he was voted player of the season and scored plenty of goals.

‘He has lost his way at Manchester United but if Arsenal get him, with the way they play and the way Wenger is going forward with attacking players.

‘I think he will be a sensation. He is a great signing for Arsenal if they get him. Sanchez is top drawer, but to get that kind of quality in January is very rare.

‘Mkhitaryan is one of the best in the Premier League. Any offensive player going to Arsenal under Arsene Wenger is a good move.’

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