Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho agreed on Arsenal and Man United swap deal that became a transfer disaster

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In the history of the Arsenal and Manchester United rivalry, plenty of players have traded one red outfit for another.

Robin van Persie infamously left the Gunners to join the Red Devils, making him something of a villain at the Emirates Stadium.

It was one of a few moves that left a sour taste for Arsenal fans, though one such move created an odd situation.

Arsene Wenger agreed a deal that saw Alexis Sanchez leave to join Manchester United in an odd exit for the star.

In return, Manchester United swapped Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with Jose Mourinho looking to change up his squad.

It was a move that would later define the genre of bizarre swap deals that won’t be forgotten amongst both fanbases.

• READ MORE: Arsene Wenger was ‘changed’ forever by one Arsenal player – Thierry Henry reveals all

What Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho said about Sanchez and Mkhitaryan swap deal

Both Arsenal and Manchester United completed a swap deal in 2018 that saw Alexis Sanchez switch the Emirates Stadium for Old Trafford and vice-versa for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

When speaking about the move, former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said on Mkhitaryan: “Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well. I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”

While the Frenchman seemed pleased with his side of the deal, so too did Jose Mourinho from a Manchester United perspective.

On Sanchez’s move to Manchester United, he said: “Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players.

“He will bring his ambition, drive and personality – qualities that make a Manchester United player.”

However, it didn’t end up working out for either player.

Alexis Sanchez’s Arsenal stats compared to Manchester United

At Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez impressed with his record showing exactly how magical he was in his time at the club.

The Chilean international bagged 80 goals for the Gunners in 166 appearances across all competitions, with 44 assists too.

His move to Manchester United didn’t go to plan though as he made just 45 appearances with five goals and nine assists.

Sanchez left Old Trafford 18 months later on loan to Inter Milan, before joining them one year after on a permanent deal.

It summed up a bit of a nightmare switch for the star forward, but he isn’t the only one who struggled after such a move.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Arsenal stats compared to Manchester United

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s move to Arsenal didn’t go much better for either party though, with the midfielder struggling in a short stint.

The Armenian international managed just 59 appearances for the Gunners before he left to join AS Roma on a free transfer.

The midfielder’s struggles were similar at Manchester United, though his years since at Inter Milan have shown how good he can be.

In the end, it was a swap transfer that proved to be a disaster for both Arsenal and Manchester United.