Ex-Arsenal favourite Emmanuel Petit has questioned his former side’s interest in signing Manchester United forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Gunners are thought to be closing to sealing a deal for the Armenia international, that will see Alexis Sanchez go the other way to Old Trafford.

Arsene Wenger confirmed this morning a ‘swap deal’ for the duo was close and that the move will be “likely to happen” in the coming days.

However, Petit – who won the league and cup double with Arsenal during the 1997/98 season – has questioned the quality of the United star ahead of his potential move to The Emirates.

He told Paddy Power: “I wonder about the quality of players Arsenal have been signing.

“They’re struggling to bring in top-quality players, and to keep the ones they have. It has been like this for a long time. They must be more competitive on the market – times have changed since I left.”

Mkhitaryan moved to United in the summer of 2016, but has failed to establish himself at Old Trafford, and Petit sees that as a worrying sign for things to come for the Armenian in North London.

“Mkhitaryan isn’t a winner.” the Frenchman continued.

“Since he signed for United, he hasn’t been involved enough, and I’m not sure he has a winning mentality.

“Sometimes he reminds me of Mesut Ozil – you really have to push him to show his character, and put him under pressure to display his best qualities.

“There’s no doubt he has great skill, but I’m not sure he’s the kind of footballers Arsenal need. They should be focussed on other positions.”