Paper Round: Henrikh Mkhitaryan holding out on Alexis Sanchez swap

It's Wednesday's Paper Round and the papers have it that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is said to be calling the shots in an elaborate deal to see Manchester United sign Alexis Sanchez.

Mkhitaryan holds Arsenal to ransom

As Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan becomes linked to an elaborate trade-off between his club and Arsenal for Alexis Sanchez, the plot is rumoured to have thickened. It is reported that Sanchez has agreed personal terms with United, but that no deal will take place unless Mkhitaryan is part of it. The 28-year-old Armenian will only agree to move if he is given a pay rise from his current £150,000 per week at United. 

Our view: This is so interesting as no one saw this coming. So what will Manchester and Arsenal do? For me it could be a bad idea to let Mkhi go, he is such a talented and quality player but with little game time at Old Trafford, it will do him more good to good which will also be an advantage to Arsenal. Give him what he wants.. 

Mou years at United

Jose Mourinho is reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension with Manchester United. The Special One is currently committed to the club until June 2019, though his representatives are said to be engaged in discussions that would see him at Old Trafford for a longer period of time – up to 2021, according to reports.

Our view: Mourinho’s wish has been to remain at Old Trafford for a long time and it seems his wish might be coming true soon. But United have to be careful on this owing to Mourinho's past. At the end of the day, I hope it is what both parties wanted. It will be nice to see Mourinho at United for the long term. 

Chelsea look to make Carroll permanent fixture

Paper Round’s view: Carroll doesn’t seem the obvious choice for Chelsea, not least because he’s only made 12 league appearances for West Ham this season. It should be worrying for the current Premier League title-holders if they are unable to attract a bigger name, even in the January transfer window. 

Walcott set for Everton switch

After weeks of speculation, Theo Walcott looks set to make the move from Arsenal to Everton as he was spotted arriving at the club for a medical on Tuesday evening. According to reports, despite being originally valued at around £30 million by Arsenal, 28-year-old Walcott is now more likely to go for around £10m less than that. 

Our view: £30 for Walcott? That's too much for a player who is almost inconsistent. But moving away from Arsenal to Everton makes all sense as it will afford him the opportunity to restart his failing career. The world cup is around the corner and he needs more playing time to be considered. 

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