Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez (Getty)

Arsenal will demand £30million for Alexis Sanchez when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.

The Chile international is involved in a contract stand-off with the Gunners and will see his current deal expire at the end of the season, at which point he can leave for free.

January represents Arsenal’s last chance to see a return on the £31.7m they paid Barcelona for Sanchez in 2014.

But their valuation could put off lead suitor Manchester City.

The current Premier League table-toppers are reportedly prepared to spend £20m on Sanchez, aware he can join for nothing if they wait.

Sanchez scored his first Premier League goal of the season at the weekend (Getty)

The Sun, who report Arsenal are seeking £30m, quote a source at Man City as saying: ‘Arsenal are still sending the message that they want over £30m. Something has to give either way.

‘Pep thinks he could prove the difference between Premier and Champions League success and failure.

‘Sanchez still wants the move from what we understand. We feel we have some leverage right now.’

Sanchez came close to joining Man City over the summer for £50m but the deal fell through when Arsenal failed to sign Thomas Lemar, who they wanted as a replacement.

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