Alexis Sanchez transfer saga: What are Arsenal's options? 

#2 Sell him to Manchester United in January?

Will Jose Mourinho sign an Arsenal player?

This is where the saga got interesting. While City and Arsenal were involved in transfer negotiations, Manchester United suddenly entered the fray stating their interest in the Chilean star. The Red Devils were also ready to pay a higher amount (£25m) to sign him now and also add Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the deal as a sweetener.

With City ready to walk away over the player's personal demands which also involved a high agent's fee - too much for a player who will be available for free in six months' time - United suddenly became front runners in the transfer.

"In relation to Sanchez all I can say, which everyone else says, is that he is a phenomenal player. I feel I shouldn't say much more than this." - Mourinho

But does Alexis want to move to United? Does he want to play for Jose Mourinho?

Probably not. But in his desperation to simply move away from the Emirates, will he accept a move to Old Trafford if City really do back away from the deal?

From Arsenal's point of view, signing Mkhitaryan may not be ideal. The Armenian's form has been poor ever since his move from Borussia Dortmund.

Moreover, Mesut Ozil's contract situation is still not sorted out. If the German does indeed stay, Mkhitaryan would be dead weight.

And do Arsenal really want to sell their best goalscorer to United again? Do they want to make the same mistake again - especially since they will be competing with United for a top four spot?

Most importantly, does Wenger want to strengthen Mourinho's squad? He is his arch nemesis after all.

Doing so would not only be a sign of surrender but it would also alienate the fanbase who have still not forgiven the club for not taking a stronger stance in the Robin van Persie saga.