Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka heaps praise on Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan as he nears Gunners switch

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN has been backed to succeed at Arsenal by Granit Xhaka, should he complete his proposed move to the Emirates.

The 28-year-old is expected to swap Manchester United for the Gunners, in a swap deal for contract rebel Alexis Sanchez.

Mkhitaryan has once again been left out of the Red Devils' matchday squad for the second fixture running, as he nears a switch to North London.

And Jose Mourinho recently confirmed that the potential deal is close, with one of January's biggest transfer sagas soon to be coming to an end.

It's a move that has been well received by Xhaka, who knows all about the Armenian international during their battles in the Bundesliga between Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking of Mkhitaryan, he said: "I read that in 2009 he said that he likes Arsenal.

"I'm sure the style of play here would suit him. Every player has their own qualities. He is a great footballer, so let's just see what happens.

"It was tough to play against him. To be honest, I would rather have played alongside him. He is a player who is obviously very good and has lots of good qualities as well."

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The Swiss midfielder was referring to an interview the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk ace had with UEFA whilst plying his trade with Pyunik in his home country.

Speaking in 2009, Mkhitaryan revealed: "My favourite team is Arsenal.

"I like their attacking play and fast style. Moreover, Arsene Wenger puts faith in young players while demanding results at the same time.

"I like that and want to play there one day."

While the FA Cup champions are also pushing for a deal to bring in Mkhitaryan's former Dortmund team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Reports claim Arsenal are close to sealing a £53million move for the Gabonese striker, who is keen to leave Germany.