Alexis Sanchez has finally left the Emirates in his swap deal that will send him to Manchester United. Henrik Mkhitaryan heads to North London in the deal as compensation. This is the highest profile swap deal since Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o in 2009. The deal saw Ibra head to FC Barcelona while Eto’o went to Inter. Both teams were able to benefit from the switch but this deal may set off a chain reaction for Arsenal that can change the club for years to come.
What the deal means for Manchester United
Manchester United have been lackluster when going forward this season. The Red Devils have needed to rely on the brilliance of David De Gea to hold a 1-0 score line. Sanchez can play in multiple positions in Jose Mourinho’s eleven as Sanchez could be a left forward, solo striker, or play as a secondary striker behind Lukaku or Rashford. Sanchez is the best option if United want to press Manchester City for the title. No one else was on the market other than Sanchez. Sanchez has already expressed his interest in joining Manchester City. If Sanchez does win title this season and his wages cannot be matched by Manchester City, he might just end up on the Red Side of Manchester next season.
What the deal means for Arsenal
The departure of Sanchez has removed Arsenal from pursuing the top four. Currently in sixth, the Gunners would need Spurs and Liverpool to slip up along the way. The deal did have benefits to the Gunners as Henrik Mkhitaryan will head to the Emirates. An outcast in United squad, the Armenian racked up five assists in his first three games and since has been out of the side. Mkhitaryan will now add depth to the outside and can also play in a central role. This will take pressure off of Mesut Ozil as the primary creator and give the German chances to run forward create better opportunities. As soon a Mkhitaryan is fit, he can slide into the starting IX and provide experience in Europe which a youthful Arsenal squad is lacking. To be honest this was the best deal for Arsenal. If Sanchez did stay he would have left for Manchester City in the summer on a free and the Gunners would be left with nothing. In return for nothing they instead received the Arminian midfielder and now have him under contract until 2021. Both sides were able to come out winners of this deal.
Love that, @HenrikhMkh – we're delighted to have you here 🔴 pic.twitter.com/PDABMfhsNx
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 22, 2018
What the deal means for Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger has been, its seems, in hot water for the past two-three seasons. The Frenchmen is at the center of blame from fans, commentators, and pundits. Wenger is a dividing point in club and fans are split. Fans have made demonstration of “Wenger Out” signs and chants while other fans are doing the opposite. The manager has been on the edge for some time but keeps his job because of his performances in cup competitions.
In 2014, Arsenal pulled away with the FA Cup and Community Shield. 2015 yielded the same trophies with the fans and club happy. 2016 was a trophy less season but the Frenchman retained his job after a second-place finish in the league. 2017 looked like the year Wenger would finally be out, but winning the FA Cup and Community Shield saved himself and he was offered a new two year deal.
Where does Wenger go from here in 2018? With Arsenal behind the rest of the big six, it seems unlikely Wenger’s men will catch them. Arsenal haven’t finished sixth since 1995 and that would be the last straw and send Wenger packing. Behind in league, in knockout round of Europa League and out of FA cup there is not much to look for if you’re a Gunners fan. The only chance for the club and for Wenger is to win the EFL cup or to win Europa league. Even than Wenger still will be on the edge of losing his job.
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