Arsenal fans will surely be more in favour for their club to land Henrikh Mkhitaryan when they discover how he spoke glowingly of them in an 2009 interview.
The Armenian international is central to Alexis Sanchez heading to Manchester United, with a straight swap mooted rather than a cash-plus-player deal.
According to the player's agent, Mino Raiola, if his client does not agree to make the switch to the Emirates, Sanchez to United doesn't happen.
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"Manchester United is not going to sign Sánchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal." Raiola said to The Times
"Mkhi has not decided yet. Mkhi is going to do what is best for him. He has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, so it's his decision."
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It seems like Mkhitaryan, flanked by his super agent, is taking his time with his decision - which is especially interesting given that he previously confessed to being an Arsenal fan back in the day.
Back in May 2009, a 20-year old Mkhitaryan was playing for FC Pyunik in his native Armenia and scored eight goals in his first nine games of the season.
There was a real buzz surrounding him, with manager Vardan Minasyan stating his desire to see his talisman in a "stronger league" in an interview with UEFA.
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In the same feature, Mkhitaryan admitted his love for Arsenal and even said he wanted to end up playing there.
"My favourite team is Arsenal," he said.
"I like their attacking play and fast style. Moreover, Arsène Wenger puts faith in young players while demanding results at the same time. I like that and want to play there one day."
Those comments have been doing the rounds again following recent events that could see Mkhitaryan realise his dream and play for the Gunners.
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However, it would not appear to be as simple as Mkhitaryan wanting the move, as it has emerged that the former Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar man has made two huge demands if he is to sign for Arsenal during January transfer window.
According to Raiola, who is no doubt looking to add to his pay packet with his involvement in another massive deal, has stated that the 28-year-old wants a pay rise on his current £150,000-a-week contract at Manchester United, despite a huge dip of form which has seen him dropped from the squad.
On top of that, Raiola wants 'more than £5 million' in agent commission, according to The Mirror.
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Do you think the big swap deal will eventually go through?
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Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Manchester United, Alexis Sanchez, Borussia Dortmund, Mino Raiola, Arsenal