In January this year, Arsenal and Man United secured a swap deal between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alexis Sánchez.
Arsenal fans knew Sánchez was going to leave in January, after only having half a season remaining on his contract, and refusing to sign a new one. The Chilean’s form had dropped considerably since the previous season, and his negative attitude was affecting his team.
Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan was struggling under manager José Mourinho in his second season at Man United, and needed a way out.
The swap between the two players made sense. Neither was enjoying their time at their clubs, and the move offered both players a chance to revive their form.
Arsenal fans were over the moon with the deal, as they seemed to have grown sick of Sánchez’s woeful attitude. They welcomed the Armenian to The Emirates, even claiming he was better than winger Sánchez.
This is what the fans had to say:
Can't wait to see you in action along side Ozil and Lacazette. You'll do better than Alexis Sanchez
— Blue Moon (@lalmucka) January 25, 2018
Good swap for Arsenal and good player
— Marin (@udomarin2) January 23, 2018
FINALLY, THE SANCHEZ TRANSFER SAGA IS OVER I FEEL LIKE FOREVER OMG NOW SELL WENGER PLS
— Im (@alonermaniac) January 22, 2018
Better than Sanchez
— Arsène Wenger (@ArseneWenger_4) January 22, 2018
You’re better than @Alexis_Sanchez … welcome to Arsenal Boss
— AlPetérona (@Alpeterona1) January 22, 2018
WELCOME TO ARSENAL!!!!
— One Love Arsenal (@1LoveArsenal) January 22, 2018
I am happy for you Bro. Welcome to our club.
— AKINOLA SEUN (@hollyboyakb) January 23, 2018
Welcome! I hope you will be a great addition to the squad
— J.OmushienJr.1 (@jackomushien1) January 23, 2018
So far, it looks as though those Arsenal fans were right. Sánchez has looked poor since moving to Old Trafford, only managing to score three goals. Given the fact that he managed to score 30 goals in all competitions in 2016/17, three goals is a woeful return by his standards.
Mkhitaryan hasn’t been much more fruitful in front of goal for Arsenal, only scoring four goals in all competitions since arriving. However, he was never as much of a goal scorer as his Chilean counterpart. On the other hand, he has already recorded ten Premier League assists since January, showing how vital he is to The Gunners.
Under a new manager in Unai Emery at Arsenal, Mkhitaryan will only get better, which will please these fans immensely.
