Arsene Wenger: 'Henrikh Mkhitaryan is world class'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 23 January 2018

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that his side have lost a "world-class" player in Alexis Sanchez, but also insists that they have gained one in Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that his side are gaining a "world-class" player in Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Mkhitaryan was used as part of the deal to take Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United, with the Armenian having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford in recent months.

Wenger admitted that the club had lost another world-class talent in Sanchez, but is confident that Mkhitaryan's arrival will help to make up for the Chilean's departure.

"I believe we lose a world-class player and gain a world-class player. Overall I think Mkhitaryan has the qualities to integrate into our game. He has a good team attitude as well. I'm confident it will work," he told reporters at a press conference.

"He can play in all kinds of positions. He is very versatile and it should help us going forward. I have no doubt about his attitude. He suffered a bit with the competition he had at United. That his challenge and my challenge to get that out here.

"[His position] depends on the team's performance and his performance in training as well. I'm confident it will work. He can play in all types of positions and through the middle as well."

Mkhitaryan will not be able to make his Arsenal debut during Wednesday night's EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Chelsea as he is cup-tied.