With his contract at Arsenal expiring in the summer, a move to Manchester City who were dealt a blow by Gabriel Jesus‘ injury, seemed to be wrapped up.
But nothing is quite so straightforward during transfer season and Manchester United threw a spanner in the works by making a late swoop for the Chilean.
While Jose Mourinho tries to beat City to the 29-year-old attacker, there are a few players who may be making for the Old Trafford exit.
Here are three United players who could leave the club this January.
DALEY BLIND
The Dutchman has become the forgotten man at United. He’s only made five appearances in the Premier League this season and two of those were off the bench. His other 10 appearances this term have come in cup competitions.
Daley Blind has been exposed for his lack of pace when used at left-back this season, which is why Ashley Young has been preferred while Luke Shaw has been deployed in his absence.
In central defence as well, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and even Victor Lindelof are all ahead of him in the pecking order.
There has been interest from Inter Milan and the defender’s contract is set to expire in the summer. A move to Serie A would seem like a sensible one for the 27-year-old.
Daley Blind
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
Despite his form last season, the Swede hasn’t been the same player since he briefly returned from a serious knee injury, only to revert to the treatment table.
Romelu Lukaku has taken over the lead striker role from the 36-year-old and while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial haven’t been entrusted with relieving the Belgian too often but should United land Sanchez, he may finally be afforded more of a rest.
That would also serve to deem Ibrahimovic surplus to requirements, particularly given the enormous wages he’s on. There’s been some interest reported from Turkish sides Galatasaray and Besiktas and that could be the way to go for the striker if he’s desperate to keep playing in a starring role.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN
Speaking of Sanchez’s possible arrival, reports have suggested that Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be headed the other way in a player plus cash deal.
While it wouldn’t be a direct replacement for the Chilean from Arsenal’s perspective, it does help fill the void while also potentially guarding against the likely departure of Mesut Ozil whose contract runs out in the summer as well.
Mkhitaryan started the season with United in fine fettle but went off the boil just a few games into the campaign. Having been given time to regain his form and then to earn his place back in the first eleven, the Armenian has failed to impress.
With talk of United launching bids for the likes of Antoine Griezmann or Paulo Dybala in the summer, Mkhitaryan could well be shown the door before the end of the month.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
