Manchester United signs Mkhitaryan
To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.
Manchester United has dipped into the transfer market for the third time this summer, luring Borussia Dortmund attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Old Trafford at the outset of Jose Mourinho's tenure with the club.
Mkhitaryan, 27, joins United on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a fifth year, according to a statement on the club's website.
While United did not disclose the transfer fee, the Telegraph concedes that the move was for £26.3 million.
"I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me. I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time. I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me," Mkhitaryan said Wednesday.
Armenia's all-time leading scorer, with 19 goals in 59 appearances, joins Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivorian defender Eric Bailly as Mourinho's summer recruits ahead of the mercurial Portuguese gaffer's third spell in the English top flight.
"Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father’s memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young," the former Dortmund standout added.
Looking to bounce back from a relatively disappointing Premier League campaign where the perennial challengers finished fifth, booking a Europa League spot, Mourinho is making no illusions about his intent to bolster the squad that stuttered under Louis van Gaal.
Speaking with reporters during Wednesday's presser, the former Chelsea manager appears elated to recruit Mkhitaryan to United.
"Henrikh is a very talented footballer who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal. I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United."