Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez all smiles in training as he prepares for Gunners return against Bournemouth

  • Alexis Sanchez was close to joining Manchester City on transfer deadline day 
  • The move fell through as Arsenal were unable to sign Thomas Lemar 
  • The Chile international appeared to be enjoying his north London return 

Alexis Sanchez is back in Arsenal training and gearing up to face Bournemouth after his deadline day switch to Manchester City fell through.

The Gunners were unable to finalise a deal for Thomas Lemar at Monaco, meaning Sanchez remains in north London.

The 28-year-old's week took another bad turn when Chile were beaten by Bolivia in World Cup qualifying to leave their hopes of competing in Russia next summer on the rocks. But he looked to be enjoying training on Friday ahead of the return of the Premier League.

Alexis Sanchez looked to be enjoying Arsenal training ahead of the Bournemouth match

Alexis Sanchez looked to be enjoying Arsenal training ahead of the Bournemouth match

Sanchez was close to leaving Arsenal and joining Manchester City last month

Sanchez was close to leaving Arsenal and joining Manchester City last month

Sanchez is expected to start in Arsenal's must-win home match against Bournemouth

Sanchez is expected to start in Arsenal's must-win home match against Bournemouth

Sanchez's team-mate Nacho Monreal believes the club will benefit from having him stay

Sanchez's team-mate Nacho Monreal believes the club will benefit from having him stay

His team-mate Nacho Monreal believes Sanchez will continue to fight for Arsenal.


'It's good news for Arsenal in general, for the fans, for the players, for the club in general that Alexis is staying here,' Monreal said. 'He's the most important player for us. 

'All we can offer to the fans is that in the next game, from the first minute, we start with intensity, make a good game, get the three points and everything will come back as before. 

'Alexis is very competitive. He doesn't want to lose any sport. He's always trying to win, he always gives his maximum, 100 per cent effort in every single training session. 

'He's going to be very important for us for the rest of the season.'

Arsenal are looking to hit back after being defeated 4-0 by Liverpool at Anfield two weeks ago in their last Premier League match. 

Mesut Ozil takes on Rob Holding as Arsenal finalise preparations to play Bournemouth 

Mesut Ozil takes on Rob Holding as Arsenal finalise preparations to play Bournemouth 

Ozil will be trying to help Arsenal avoid a third straight Premier League defeat 

Ozil will be trying to help Arsenal avoid a third straight Premier League defeat 

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere controls the ball as defender Hector Bellerin watches on 

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere controls the ball as defender Hector Bellerin watches on 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watches on as he plans ahead for Bournemouth

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watches on as he plans ahead for Bournemouth

Defeat for Arsene Wenger's side would be their third straight loss. 

But Bournemouth do not head into the match at the Emirates Stadium in the finest of form.

The Cherries are winless so far this season and lost 2-1 in their last match against Manchester City.