Only medicals need doing for Alexis Sanchez to complete his move to Manchester United and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to complete the switch in opposite direction to Arsenal.
United made their move for Sanchez after Arsenal opted to sell this month, and when Manchester City refused to match the wage on offer at Old Trafford – that left the way open for the Red Devils to land the Chilean.
Sanchez had aimed to play for City boss Pep Guardiola, but he will now be turning out for Jose Mourinho as the highest paid player in the Premier League.
Whilst Sanchez will earn just over £500,000-a-week, Mkhitaryan will land £300,000 which will push him into the top-ten earners in the world.
Both deals are expected to be announced early next week – with it being a straight swap, with Arsenal not receiving any money – just Mkhitaryan as a straight swap.
Bookmakers pulled their markets on the pair earlier this week and we spoke to BetVictor’s Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt for their view.
“Seems like the Sanchez deal to United is almost over the line and we closed after lumpy requests even at 1/8!. A small loss after laying 14/1 at the outset but we are pleased he hasn’t joined the blue side of Manchester after City were very popular even when he was odds on!” he explained.
“Likewise Mykitarian making the trip to the capital is a small loser for us after been popular really only to join the Gunners. However most of the bets were laid at 2/1 and shorter so no real cause for alarm and we take both transfers on the chin!”