- Manchester United legend Phil Neville has heaped praise on Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Arsenal look set to sign the Armenia international from the Red Devils
- Neville believes it could end up being a ‘fantastic’ signing for the Gunners
- READ MORE: Man Utd transfer news round-up: Mourinho ORDERS La Liga duo, £100m striker boost, playmaker CLOSE to move
Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has heaped praise on departing star Henrikh Mkhitaryan as reports suggest he’s closing in on a transfer to rivals Arsenal.
beIN Sports journalist Ibrahim Khadra tweeted yesterday that a swap deal involving Mkhitaryan and Alexis Sanchez is close to being completed, and Neville has discussed the potential arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
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Speaking to BBC 5 Live, the former England international admits that things haven’t quite worked out for Mkhitaryan under United manager Jose Mourinho, but that there’s the potential for him to do far better as an Arsenal player.
The Armenia international stood out as one of Europe’s top attacking midfield players during his time at Borussia Dortmund, but he’s only shone in fits and bursts in his time in the Premier League so far.
With Mesut Ozil nearing the end of his contract, Arsenal could benefit from bringing in Mkhitaryan, who is a similar style of player in that creative midfield area.
While some United fans won’t be overly bothered about losing the 28-year-old given his lack of regular action or impact in the first-team, Neville says he’s a ‘massive’ fan of his and has tipped him to be a good signing for the Gunners.
“I think Mkhitaryan would be a fantastic signing for #Arsenal.”@Fizzer18 says moving the Emirates could be the ideal switch for the #MUFC midfielder. pic.twitter.com/YRHGchltjW
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) January 18, 2018
‘I can see Henrikh Mkhitaryan going to Arsenal and being a fantastic signing for them,’ Neville said.
‘If Arsenal sign Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang, they maybe become a better team because they’ve got two really good players.
‘Mkhitaryan, we didn’t really see the best of Manchester United. .. I’m a massive fan of his, I thought we saw glimpses, particularly this season, but never did I think he was really going to be in Jose (Mourinho)’s starting XI so he needs to go to a club where he’ll be allowed to flourish, maybe Arsenal is that club.’