Alexis Sanchez will be heartbroken if Arsenal block Manchester City switch as Arsene Wenger considers move for Julian Draxler

  • Paris Saint-Germain's Julian Draxler is among those Arsene Wenger is keen on
  • The Arsenal boss are fully aware of Alexis Sanchez's desire to leave
  • City are confident of signing Sanchez - as long as Arsenal can find a replacement

Alexis Sanchez will be left heartbroken if Arsenal block his move to Manchester City.

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Julian Draxler is among those Arsene Wenger is keen on; while a move for Leicester's Riyad Mahrez may also be considered. 

The Arsenal boss and club officials are fully aware of Sanchez's desire to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Alexis Sanchez will be left heartbroken if Arsenal block his move to Manchester City

Alexis Sanchez will be left heartbroken if Arsenal block his move to Manchester City

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Julian Draxler is among those Arsene Wenger is keen on

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Julian Draxler is among those Arsene Wenger is keen on

Having seen a £50million offer rejected, City will return with further improved bids on Thursday.


Sources at City are confident they will sign Sanchez - as long as Arsenal can find a replacement.

Sportsmail understands that the Chilean has wanted to move to the Etihad since the start of the summer and his feelings are long since known and reciprocated in Manchester.

There is some surprise that the move has not gone through already. The Gunners have been stalling in a bid to drive up the price and allow them time to find a replacement.

The Etihad club are keen to sign Sanchez in a straight cash deal before the window closes

The Etihad club are keen to sign Sanchez in a straight cash deal before the window closes

The issue now, is whether they can find that replacement before the end of the day. One, well-placed source said: 'It's been a summer-long game of chess and it's now Arsenal's move.' 

Arsenal are likely to be tempted by an offer of £70million. Gunners sources are adamant the club will only consider selling Sanchez if they receive a huge offer and sign a replacement. 

Wenger has publicly stated that Sanchez would '100 per cent' stay at the Emirates this season, despite the fact he can leave for nothing at the end of the season.

However, that stance has softened with the Gunners now willing to sell for the right price.

Pep Guardiola is understood to be reluctant to include Sterling (right) in the deal

Pep Guardiola is understood to be reluctant to include Raheem Sterling (right) in the deal

SANCHEZ IN 2016-17 

Club games: 51

Goals: 30

Assists: 19

Bookings: 8

Minutes played: 4,229

Minutes per goal: 141

Cups won: 1 (FA Cup)

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Sanchez's representatives have informed Arsenal he will not sign a new contract under any circumstances despite a £300,000-per-week offer on the table.

And the Chilean hopes the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer will be enough for Arsenal to sell.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling will remain at Manchester City after Pep Guardiola decided against using the England star in their attempts to sign Sanchez.

City had considered including Sterling as a makeweight in their move for Sanchez but manager Guardiola is reluctant to include Sterling in the deal; the forward has already made a significant contribution this season scoring two goals in City's opening three Premier League games.

It means City will pursue a straight cash deal for Sanchez.

Sanchez is due to play for Chile tonight, but is on stand-by to complete the move if Arsenal and City reach an agreement.