Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United now seems inevitable following Arsene Wenger's comments about the transfer saga.

According to the Arsenal manager, Sanchez's big-money move is "likely to happen" and they're due to welcome Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a swap deal.

"I've worked on transfers for 30 years so it is likely to happen. but any moment things can break down," said Wenger ahead of the weekend's Premier League action.

"That's how the transfer market is so as long as it's not over the line you have to accept that it can as well not happen. These kinds of things are never guaranteed."

Wenger also claims he tried everything to get Sanchez to stay but couldn't compete with the wages United were offering the Chilean, which are said to be in the region of £400,000-per-week.

"I wouldn't like to come out on the numbers because that's Man Utd's problem," Wenger continued.

"I respect Man Utd because they generate the money they pay to the players with their own resources so you have to respect that.

"We did the maximum we could afford to do and one day maybe I will come out on that but today is not the moment."

Arsenal fans will be somewhat relieved to see Sanchez leave, not just because it will put an end to the rumours, but also because he's become a disruptive member of the Gunners' squad.

Sanchez has become renowned for his petulant behaviour on the football pitch and it's reportedly caused a divide in the dressing room.

It's a wonder, then, how the 29-year-old has been behaving at Arsenal recently - especially in training - as a move to United draws ever closer.

Sanchez trained with Arsenal on Wednesday and Wenger insists he has been "professional" and "fully committed" despite the rumours surrounding his future.

"No, they are professional," said Wenger when asked if the winger has been acting up. "I have no trouble with Alexis Sanchez's attitude.

"He trained with us yesterday and was fully committed. He is 29-years-old, the next contract will be important for him."

Wenger expects Sanchez's future to be confirmed within the next 24 hours, which means so will Mkhitaryan's.

Wages are said to be a sticking point for the Armenian, who is currently on £150,000-per-week at United but wants closer to £200,000-per-week.