Alexis Sanchez is said to have agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with Manchester United to join Jose Mourinho’s side this month.

The Chilean is out of contract in the summer and Arsenal are deciding to cash in on him now in the hope of securing Henrikh Mkhitaryan in return.

And according to the Telegraph, Sanchez’s deal will cost the Red Devils a staggering £180m.

Sanchez will pocket £14m a year after tax - just under £27m a year before tax - to join United, on top of his £30m valuation, £20m signing-on fee, and an agents’ fee worth more than £10m.

The revelations of Sanchez’s costs shows why Manchester City pulled out of the race to sign the attacker having baulked at his wage demands.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ TO MAN UTD: LIVE TRANSFER UPDATES

The 29-year-old is now hoping Mkhitaryan can reach an agreement with United quickly to ensure his move to United is wrapped up.

Express Sport understands Arsenal are reluctant to sanction Sanchez’s move until they have a replacement secured - Mkhitaryan being their priority.

Mkhitaryan remains in talks with the Gunners but he too is pushing to become the highest paid earner at his new club.

Meanwhile, ESPN FC pundit and former Scotland and Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has doubts over Mkhitaryan’s potential move to Arsenal.

“I don’t see Arsenal as a great move for him, I don’t see it as a brilliant move for Arsenal either,” Burley said.

“Yeah it would potentially fill some numbers if (Mesut) Ozil and Sanchez go, in a swap for Sanchez plus some cash. 

“But those two have found it difficult and frustrating and difficult at Arsenal and they’re better players than Mkhitaryan; Sanchez is a better player, Ozil is a better player, he’s a World Cup-winner, no matter what you think of him. 

“Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a talent but I get the feeling that he’s better suited going back to Germany, or maybe going to Italy, or going to Spain. 

“I think that’s where his talents are better suited in terms of the pace of the game.