Alexis Sanchez deal should be finalised in the next 48 hours, says Arsene Wenger

It should all be over soon.

Most of us are sick of this transfer saga by now. It's dragged on and on, mainly because it involves Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way, but thankfully it should be done very soon. Arsène Wenger didn't include Alexis Sánchez in his matchday squad for Arsenal's 4-1 win against Crystal Palace today. When asked why he decided to exclude the Chilean for the second week running, he explained:

"I was tempted but I didn't take him because there is the question of him moving to Manchester United."

Wenger hinted that Sánchez was in Manchester today, finalising the details of his imminent transfer to Manchester United:

"You cannot drive up north and as well play football. The next 48 hours will be decided one way or another."

The Arsenal boss also reiterated that Sánchez's move to United is still dependent on Mkhitaryan coming to Arsenal as part of the exchange:

"It happens only one way if the other way [Mkhitaryan] happens. It must be coordinated.”

United manager José Mourinho is confident of the deal going through as well. Speaking after United's 1-0 win over Burnley this afternoon, he said:

"If you ask me if I think he is coming, I think so, but I have no confirmation. I expect soon or never."

https://twitter.com/PAdugout/status/954774700676313088 Arsenal have also reportedly put in a bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Borussia Dortmund forward was also excluded from his team's matchday squad, and could be on his way to London if the two clubs can agree terms.