Opinion: Dortmund should sell Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was arguably Dortmund's most valuable player during the 2015/16 season. As a right winger, he was instrumental in creating chances for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well as scoring quite a few goals himself. He was a joy to watch and a fan-favorite indeed.

However, all this success has made Mkhitaryan a hot commodity. Many teams from around Europe are looking to sign him away from the Signal Iduna Park. So far, Dortmund has been able to keep their star winger. But Mkhitaryan and BVB have yet to come to terms on a contract extension, meaning his time in Dortmund may soon come to an end.

The time may be right to sell him before he leaves as a free transfer next season. Worth over 30 million euros, the money Mkhitaryan fetches could help Dortmund buy even more talented stars.

Mkhitaryan has already been linked with multiple top clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Juventus. All five of these clubs could be willing to pay top dollar for Mkhitaryan. Although it would be a heavy loss, Dortmund already have the personnel to replace the talented Armenian star.

Christian Pulisic, Ousmane Dembele, and Jakub Blaszczykowski could all slot in for Mkhitaryan on the right side. It would certainly be tough to replace Mkhi, but he is definitely not irreplaceable.

At 27-years-old, Mkhitaryan will eventually start to fall out of his prime. Following a tremendous Bundesliga season last year, selling Mkhitaryan is purely now or never. If Dortmund wait until January, there are too many risks surrounding a possible future sale - injury, poor form, lack of desire.

Rather than risk his value declining, Dortmund should sell the Armenian winger as soon as possible. Some reports are indicating that Mkhitaryan will be deciding his future plans as early as this week. With youth talent along with a capable substitute in Blaszczykowski waiting in the wings, Dortmund should bid farewell to Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

It is with a heavy heart that I say this, but Mkhitaryan has done all he can for the club. The future for Dortmund is bright and even though it will be difficult to part ways with Mkhitaryan, it must be so.

Now if he decides to extend his stay at Dortmund, so be it. If not, Dortmund must cash in as soon as possible to ensure he doesn't leave on a free transfer next summer.