The process of Alexis Sanchez leaving Arsenal can only be remembered as painfully drawn out.

With several clubs queuing up for the unsettled Chilean, his desire to leave the Emirates was blatant for months prior to his eventual exit.

The widespread interest in his services did little to fast-track an agreement with any club, so it was something of a relief when Manchester United finally closed the deal in January.

That said, it wasn’t quite the transfer many expected given Henrikh Mkhitaryan was allowed to move in the opposite direction.

So, when Arsenal unveiled the Armenian within minutes of Sanchez joining the Red Devils, it’s no wonder it gave rise to suggestions the former was offered as makeweight to bring the latter to Old Trafford.

That’s the theory most football fans have since been led to believe, anyway.

But according to one of the players involved, no less, it appears there’s no reason why Mkhitaryan and Sanchez couldn’t have lined up as teammates this season.

MKHITARYAN REVEALS WHAT HAPPENED

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Mkhitaryan claims he left Manchester for reasons other than being forced to by his previous employers.

"I didn’t come here to replace anyone. Everyone keeps saying that I’ve been part of a deal for Alexis Sanchez but it’s not true because he was running down his contract,” he said.

"If he didn’t choose to come to Manchester United, he would have stayed at Arsenal until the summer.

"Everything was up to me. I’m not saying I was important in this aspect but I want everyone to understand I wasn’t made part of the deal for Alexis Sanchez.

"We’re different players, we’re different characters, we have different abilities and skills.

"When I heard I could swap Manchester United for Arsenal, I said ‘yes I want to do that’.

"I wasn’t even thinking twice or thinking that maybe I don’t have to go. I said ‘no I want to go. I want to have more playing time. I want to enjoy playing attacking, offensive football’. I made the right decision coming here.”

Whether the clubs saw the situation as an opportunity to swap players is up for debate, it’s difficult to view it any other way.

But who got the better deal?

Across all competitions since January, Sanchez has netted twice and notched three assists for the Red Devils, whereas Mkhitaryan’s contribution stands at three goals and five assists.

Well, despite the pair seeing virtually the same amount of minutes on the pitch, the numbers suggest the Armenian has been more effective for his new club.

Who do you think got the better signing: Arsenal or Man United? Let us know what you think in the comments section.