"?Arsenal's hopes of landing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer have suffered a blow as Manchester United have now expressed their own interest in agreeing a deal with the player, the "?Daily Mail reports.
The £25m rated Armenian international has refused to extend his contract from 2017, with the German side willing to sell him now rather than lose him for nothing next year. As a result, the Gunners are seen as the favourites to land the player in this summer's transfer window.
It has been reported that Arsenal have been in contact with the 27-year-old in recent weeks, and despite previous interest from the likes of Juventus and Liverpool, the North London club appeared to have taken control of negotiations.
This may change however, with Manchester United now keen to begin negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over the player, as new boss Jose Mourinho plans a summer overhaul of his current squad for the new campaign.
The former Chelsea boss has already added £30m Villarreal defender Eric Bailly to bolster his defensive options, however after a stalling season under Louis van Gaal, the Portuguese coach is expected to add to his attacking options also.
Despite possessing a hefty war-chest at their disposal, reports suggest Jose's United may find it hard to persuade the Dortmund star to leave for Old Trafford, with Mkhitaryan said to be favouring a move with Champions League football, which Arsenal can provide.
The Bundesliga midfielder has had another prolific season on the pitch, scoring 23 goals and providing 32 assists in 52 games in all competitions, including seven goals in Europe.