Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan arrive at the immigration office in Liverpool to finalise their work permits for transfers to Man Utd and Arsenal.
Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are finalising work permits ahead of their respective transfers to Manchester United and Arsenal, with no complications expected.
Both players are expected to switch clubs in a straight swap deal imminently, with medicals having taken place.
Sanchez and Mkhitaryan arrived separately at the immigration office in Liverpool on Monday to go through the procedure of tying up the formalities.
Sanchez arrived to work in the UK in 2014 after moving to Arsenal from Barcelona, so therefore must apply for an extension to his existing permit.
Mkhitaryan likewise will apply to extend his permit, in line with his new contract at Arsenal.
Both players satisfy the necessary criteria, and Home Office rules allow for an extension of at least another three years to a UK Tier 2 [Sportsperson] visa.
The players are required to apply for their visas in person, with each application requiring a valid certificate of sponsorship from their new respective club, along with the endorsement of the Football Association.
Sanchez fulfils all necessary criteria and is expected to be issued an extension without complication
Sanchez fulfils all necessary criteria and is expected to be issued an extension without complication
The Home Office will not discuss individual cases but Sky Sports News understands neither player will have to leave the UK in order to meet any extension requirements.
With Mkhitaryan representing and captaining Armenia - ranked 90th in the world by FIFA - specific criteria is required in order for a permit extension to be granted.