Arsenal transfer news: Alexis Sanchez was hurt by failed Man City move - Mauricio Isla

ALEXIS SANCHEZ was hoping to leave Arsenal and was hurt when his move to Manchester City fell through, according to his Chile team-mate Mauricio Isla.

Alexis SanchezGETTY

Alexis Sanchez is reportedly annoyed he didn't join Manchester City

Alexis Sanchez was linked with a move to Manchester City on deadline day but the deal failed to materialise.

Arsenal were willing to let the former Barcelona man leave to cash in before his contract expires in the summer.

However, the Gunners were unable to reach an agreement with Monaco for his replacement Thomas Lemar and halted the deal.

And according to Sanchez’s Chile team-mate Mauricio Isla, the failed move to the Etihad has hit the 28-year-old hard.

Sanchez, IslaGETTY

Mauricio Isla has said Alexis Sanchez is hurting

Simon Jordan: Alexis Sanchez will leave Arsenal but in right way

“He is in a top club like Arsenal but was happy to move to another team,” Isla told reporters at Santiago airport.

“The transfer was very important for him but did not happen.

"The news changed completely, of him not signing and the contract not being given. Surely that hurts.

"Now that he returns, I hope he regains the level he has, that person he is, that player he is because when he is well, the team is much better.”

Despite Sanchez’s disappointment, Arsene Wenger is convinced he will give his all for the Gunners throughout the season.

“I have no doubt about Alexis’ mind and mentality that people question. He needs to come back to full fitness, which he was not at Liverpool,” he said.

“He had a negative experience now with Chile but he is strong mentally and hopefully he will be back very quickly to his best.

“Sanchez is here and focuses here.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?