Arsene Wenger has revealed how close Arsenal are to completing the swap transfer of Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Both players were missing from their respective squads on Saturday as the Red Devils and the Gunners claimed three points.

Sanchez trained with the Arsenal first team on Friday and was set to be a part of the squad that faced Crystal Palace on Saturday.

However, Mirror Sport understands Sanchez left Arsenal’s team hotel last night just before 11pm and was bound for Manchester to complete his move to Old Trafford.

Arsene Wenger said Aubayemang would "fit in" at Arsenal (
Image:
Clive Rose)
Arsene Wenger with Sanchez on Friday (
Image:
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Following breakthrough negotiations, the 29-year-old was pulled out of the squad and said his goodbyes to his team-mates.

The Chilean has already agreed verbal terms with Jose Mourinho's side and is set to sign a four-and-a-half year contract earning £490,000-a-week.

After Arsenal's 4-1 win over Palace, Wenger said: "I didn’t take him because there is a question of him moving to United. You can’t drive north and play football.

"I expect it to happen, but I can’t announce it. In the next 48 hours it will be decided. Until it’s over the line you can’y say it will happen.

Sanchez trained with the first team on Friday (
Image:
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
On the road: Sanchez? (
Image:
Daily Mirror)

"If you want to have a bit, it could happen.

"It happens only one way, if the other way happens as well. That’s why it takes longer as well because it is coordinated.

"I half announce today Sanchez/Mkhitaryan because it’s likely to happen. The rest, we are not close at all to anything."

Jose Mourinho also provided an update on the transfer following the Red Devils' 1-0 win over Burnley.

Jose Mourinho during Manchester United's victory over Burnley (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

"If you ask me if I think he is coming, I think so, but I have no confirmation," said Mourinho.

"Expect soon or never. So close, so close, so close, if it doesn't happen it is not going to happen. I know my people doing absolutely everything they can. I think they will be successful."

Following Wenger "I didn’t take him because there is a question of him moving to United. You can’t drive north and play football.

"I expect it to happen, but I can’t announce it. In the next 48 hours it will be decided. Until it’s over the line you can’y say it will happen.

"If you want to have a bit, it could happen."

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