Sanchez looks increasingly set to leave Arsenal for Manchester United with the Red Devils confident of getting a deal done.

The Chile international’s contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the current campaign and, with the player uninterested in signing a new contract, a move away now beckons.

And comments unearthed from 2011 show that Alexis Sanchez has always harboured a desire to play at Old Trafford.

Speaking as an Udinese player at the time, the wing wizard confessed he was eager to play in the Premier League. 

"I'd like to play in English football, especially for Manchester United,” he said. 

“I like their fast game and the pride the fans show in their team. 

“I’d take a move to England before Spain."

Sanchez ended up joining Barcelona instead with Manchester United choosing to prioritise other deals.

But now, seven years on, he looks finally set to join.

The Red Devils are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in their history on wages worth £350,000 a week.

However, one man is holding up the deal.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to move to Arsenal as part of the transfer but wants to become the north London side’s highest-paid player.

And speaking yesterday, his agent Mino Raiola confirmed the 28-year-old was central to any possible move for Sanchez.

"Mkhi's problems at Man Utd are purely related to playing football,” he said.

“He has no problem with the manager. It is not personal. 

“And he has two and a half years left on his contract. He doesn't have to leave.

"This is a great deal for Arsenal. They need better, younger players and they have to invest. 

“So it's up to Arsenal to put a deal in place and right now a deal is a long way off."