Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan aims to 'create history' after 'dream' transfer

James Benge23 January 2018

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has labelled his move to Arsenal “a dream come true” after completing his swap deal from Manchester United.

As part of the move that takes Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford, the Armenian playmaker has joined Arsenal, signing a three-and-a-half year contract at the Emirates.

The 29-year-old had come close to joining Arsenal in the summer of 2016, when he would ultimately go to United, and at the age of 20 spoke of his desire to play under Arsene Wenger, which he will soon be able to fulfil.

“I’m very happy that we could finish this deal and I’m very happy to be here,” Mkhitaryan said.

In Pictures | Henrikh Mkhitaryan joins Arsenal | 22/01/2018

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“It’s a dream come true because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Arsenal. Now that I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history.”

Arsene Wenger has long been an admirer of Mkhitaryan and refused to countenance Sanchez’s move to Manchester without the former Borussia Dortmund star coming the other way, though Anthony Martial had been his first-choice in any swap deal.

Wenger said of Mkhitaryan: “Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well.

“I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”

Mkhitaryan struggled to make the grade at Old Trafford, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 63 appearances after arriving 18 months ago.

Wenger however will be convinced he can uncover the Mkhitaryan of the 2015/16 season, when he scored 23 times and laid on 32 assists in 52 games.

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