Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was Arsenal's first-choice as part of a trade deal for Alexis Sanchez, according to a report.
It is reported the Gunners initially sought out a move for Shaw as part of the proposed deal which will see Sanchez join United in the January transfer window.
However the approach was rejected by Jose Mourinho who instead offered Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the article in The Sun claims.
According to the report, United dismissed any move for Shaw early into negotiations with Mourinho keen to see the 22-year-old remain at Old Trafford beyond his current contract.
M.E.N. Sport revealed earlier this month United had triggered the one-year extension on Shaw's contract after his resurgence convinced Mournho to cool his interest in signing a new left-back.
And when asked about Shaw's progression this season the United manager was full of praise for the attitude he has shown.
"Luke? Played very well," Mourinho said. "He was already improving and playing well when I start playing him after that long spell without minutes.
"I remember the first time, Champions League [against CSKA Moscow], he was coming step by step and now with a good run of matches and continuity also. Playing like he did against Everton two days after a previous match, good, solid. physically much better, mentally much stronger, tactically understanding the game much better and what we need in the different phases and circumstances, I'm really happy.
"You like the transfer market, I can say that in this moment I don't see many left-backs better than this Luke Shaw."
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