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Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s future reportedly to be decided by the end of the week

By Will Z. Schwartz

Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Borussia Dortmund during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg on April 30, 2016 at the Signal Idun Park stadium in Dortmund, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Borussia Dortmund during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg on April 30, 2016 at the Signal Idun Park stadium in Dortmund, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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With rumors of a potential exit swirling, could a move to England be on the cards?

Since the commencement of the summer transfer window, Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been consistently linked with a move away from Signal Iduna Park. These claims were further solidified yesterday, after reputable German paper BILD reported that his future would be decided by the Westphalia club the end of the week.

Having recently rejected a new contract to remain at Dortmund long-term, the Armenian midfielder is reportedly available for a mere €30 million, with BILD suggesting that a move to England is on top of his destination wish list.

In particular, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have been named as Mkhitaryan’s most likely landing spots should he decide to depart Germany, with all three clubs looking to add star power in preparation for what is sure to be an immensely competitive 16/17 Premier League campaign.

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Arsenal have been the club most commonly linked with Mkhitaryan, a move that would make sense for both parties involved. Having lost Danny Welbeck for the foreseeable future due to injury, and Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain failing to live up to the standards set for them as of late, the Gunners’ only legitimate top class winger appears to be Alexis Sanchez. While Arsene Wenger could switch to a 4-3-3 and push Mesut Özil into a more unfamiliar wide role, the safest route to take would likely be to buy a new wide player altogether.

Having this in mind, Mkhitaryan fits the bill perfectly. Blessed with technique, vision and an eye for goal, he would slot seamlessly into the Gunner’s up-tempo system, with the prospect of him linking up with big names such as Alexis and Özil a mouthwatering one. Should he decide on a Premier League move, Arsenal are sure to feature heavily in his final decision.

So too, Manchester United are reportedly in the market for a new wide playmaker. Following a largely unsuccessful first season in England, Dutch wonderkid Memphis Depay is no longer viewed as a lock for a spot in the XI, while Juan Mata’s Old Trafford career has been riddled with inconsistency. This leaves the starting right-wing spot wide open for the taking, a role Mkhitaryan has filled countless times for his club.

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There are those who suggest that newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho’s methodical system is not conducive to success for creative, forward thinking wide players, however, all one needs to do is look at the past exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden Hazard to dispel such notions. Mkhitaryan would certainly be an outstanding coup for United, and he could certainly do worse than a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Chelsea, however, appear to be the odd team out on this list. With Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar and Pedro currently employed by the West London club, upgrading the attacking midfield positions appears to be the least pressing of their transfer concerns. And while there have been quiet mutterings of Eden Hazard eyeing a move away from Stamford Bridge in the past, there has been nothing to suggest that anything of the sort is imminent. Unless a member of their attacking midfield foursome is sold this summer, signing a player in the ilk of Mkhitaryan would make little sense for Antonio Conte.

He certainly will not lack options should he decide on a Dortmund exit, yet Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s best destinations appear to be Arsenal and Manchester United out of the clubs he’s been linked to. Seeing as both can offer legendary managers, fellow stars and a guaranteed spot in the starting XI, he will have to decide between the Gunners’ Champions League football and London location, and United’s superior financial power and brand name. This should prove to be an incredibly interesting saga to keep an eye on in the upcoming days.

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