Arsenal legend Paul Merson has branded Henrikh Mkhitaryan as one of the best in the Premier League, as his move to the Emirates seems to edge closer.
The Armenian is though to be close to completing a move to the Emirates as part of a swap deal which will see Alexis Sanchez move the other way.
Despite being about to lose one of the clubs top stars in Sanchez, Merson was upbeat about the arrival of the former Borussia Dortmund man, saying he doesn’t think Arsenal will be losing ‘too much’.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Debate programme on Thursday night, the former Arsenal midfielder said:
“Don’t get me wrong, I think Sanchez is top drawer. To get that type of quality in January is very rare
“For me, I’m a big fan of Mkhitaryan and I think he is one of the best in the Premier League.
“I think if you bring Mkhitaryan in, he might not get as many goals as Sanchez, but his assists will be right up there, so you aren’t losing too much.
“As an offensive player, playing under Arsene Weneger, you know you are going to have a good time. It’s free flowing football and you can go and do what you want.”
Mkhitaryan only moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 but struggled to make too much of a significant impact in the Premier League, although was influential for the club during last season’s triumphant Europa League campaign,