Alexis Sanchez is now a Manchester United player, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan has joined Arsenal.
The swap deal between the two clubs for Sanchez and Mkhitaryan was completed on Monday, and it appears to be one of those rare transfers that could work out for every party involved. United get a world-class player, while Sanchez is now one of the best-paid footballers in the world and back playing in the Champions League. Mkhitaryan has joined a team better suited to his talents, and will no-longer be dropped for failing to track West Brom full-backs.
Jose Mourinho gets rid of a player he didn’t rate or know how to use, and Wenger has gone some way towards replacing Sanchez, even if Mkhitaryan has a tough job to match the Chilean’s impact at the Emirates.
🎹 Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Introducing #Alexis7…#GGMU #MUFC @Alexis_Sanchez pic.twitter.com/t9RIIx4mE4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
Another party who will seemingly benefit from the swap deal is the Arsenal players. Several reports over the past few months have detailed the tension between Sanchez and some of his former teammates, who felt the forward had a “bad attitude.” There was said to have been a “dressing room bust-up” following a victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last month, with some Arsenal players taking issue with Sanchez’s on-field behaviour, and propensity to whirl his arms in frustration.
According to journalist Matt Scott, speaking on The Totally Football Show last week, there were issues between Sanchez and Arsenal pair Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud, and there is a sense that the team will be relieved to see him leave exit, despite his brilliance on the pitch. The reaction of the Arsenal players on social media to Sanchez’s exit perhaps conveys this.
When Theo Walcott’s move to Everton was confirmed last week, many past and present Arsenal players wished the winger well at Goodison Park.
Good luck for the future Bro🙏 @TheoWalcott #goodbye #allthebest pic.twitter.com/UO2vMertYg
— Mesut Özil (@M10) January 17, 2018
12 years a Gunner, a fantastic achievement @theowalcott 👏🏻 We had some great times together, especially celebrating against Spurs 😜 Good luck to you and the family with the new challenge! pic.twitter.com/4XB4RH9tbR
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) January 17, 2018
My friend good luck in your new stage, you are a great example for all, thanks for everything we will miss you @theowalcott #allthebest pic.twitter.com/bAHWv3ZGF8
— Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) January 17, 2018
All the best to you @theowalcott with your new challenge! #topman pic.twitter.com/OggG1Nx01Z
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) January 17, 2018
🔙🔛🔝 Two great characters and professionals have left us. I wish you all the best Theo @Everton and Francis @valenciacf – say hello to them for me 😉. Thanks for being part of my journey, I'm sure our paths will cross again. All the best guys, you deserve it. pic.twitter.com/Jel6srQIsI
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) January 18, 2018
However, there’s not a single goodbye or good luck message from an Arsenal player to Sanchez on Twitter, suggesting that none of them are sad to see him go. Yet, something tells us the feeling is mutual, and the Chilean won’t miss them either.
At least Jesse Lingard posted Sanchez a message. Although, it’s hard to know what’s worse, receiving this message from Lingard, or getting snubbed by your former teammates.
Hello, Is That @Alexis_Sanchez ?😳🔥 Welcome To @ManUtd 🔴 I Knew You Wanted To Come Milly Rock With The Mandem 🕺🏼👀 #manchesterunited #JLingz pic.twitter.com/n7qJk73QhW
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) January 22, 2018
