Alexis SanchezGetty/Instagram

Alexis Sanchez jets off to undergo Manchester United medical

Alexis Sanchez has boarded a private jet bound for Manchester as he travels to undergo a medical and finalise his January transfer to United.

The Arsenal star was flanked by his best friend, and his agent Fernando Felicevich was also present, with United having made the arrangements to charter the aircraft.

Alexis will earn around £14 million a year with United, making him one of the best-paid players in Premier League history, with agent fees expected to reach the £10m mark.

Article continues below

The transfer taking the Chilean to Old Trafford will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading in the opposite direction and Goal understands the deal will be a straight swap, with no cash incentives involved.

Indeed, the former Dortmund winger was spotted in London with his agent Mino Raiola on Saturday, and Goal understands the 29-year-old will also undergo his medical tests with the Gunners on Sunday.

Confirmation of the transfer is likely to arrive from both clubs on Monday as one of the most intriguing January deals in Premier League history draws to a conclusion.

Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, remained cautious when asked about the possible signing of Alexis in his post-match press conference following the 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday.

The Portuguese told supporters to expect a transfer either "soon or never", adding: "I think it's so close, so close. So close that if it doesn't happen, it's not going to happen. So I am positive.

"I know that my people are doing absolutely everything they can - the owners with the green light and Mr [Ed] Woodward working hard.

Alexis Sanchez

"I think everybody is giving everything they can and I think we're going to be successful."

Alexis posted a video on his Instagram account to show that he was boarding the private jet bound for Manchester, with, ironically, 'No Easy Way Out' from the Rocky IV film playing over the top of the short clip.

And there was further social media activity, with the 29-year-old forward retweeting an article that disagreed with assertions that the Chilean is a footballing mercenary for leaving Emirates Stadium for Mourinho's United.

As well as signing Mkhitaryan, Arsenal are also hoping to complete a deal for Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January window.

The German club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed on Saturday that there had been an approach for the Gabon international, with the Gunners having agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old.

Wenger will not, however, be bringing in Bordeaux winger Malcom in the winter window, with the north Londoners having pulled out of the race to sign the Brazilian, at least until the summer.

Advertisement