Alexis Sanchez all smiles with Arsene Wenger in Arsenal training... but star man is still keen on summer exit

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It is still unclear whether Alexis Sanchez will be an Arsenal player beyond this month, but for now the Chilean appears to be enjoying life in north London.

Pictures have emerged of the forward laughing and joking with manager Arsene Wenger during training on Wednesday, as rumours continue to swirl about his future.

It is the biggest 'will he, won't he' saga of the summer, as Sanchez pines for Champions League football and Arsenal desperately try to keep hold of him.

Alexis Sanchez was all smiles in Arsenal training as he chatted to manager Arsene Wenger

The pair seemed at ease in each other's presence, despite Sanchez asking for a move away

Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the talented 28-year-old, but Arsenal are not willing to sell their star man.

After a bout of flu kept him in Chile for longer than anticipated, Sanchez returned to London Colney on Tuesday and was back for a second session on Wednesday.

He was snapped in the gym and out on the training pitches with his team-mates, full of joy as he continued preparations for the new season.

The Chilean also took part in a gym session, giving a thumbs up to the camera on Wednesday

Out on the training pitches at London Colney, Sanchez was put through his paces in a drill

Wenger is desperate to keep his star man at the club, and does not want to sell him this year

Sanchez, if fit, will likely be included in the squad for Sunday's Community Shield match against Chelsea at Wembley.

From there, Arsenal will be preparing for Friday night's Premier League opener against Leicester, and the start of their assault on the title.

After missing out on the top four - and Champions League football - last season, there is plenty of pressure on the squad to reclaim their place in the upper echelons of the top flight.

Sanchez poses for a photo with Arsenal team-mate Shkodran Mustafi - the last two to return

Sanchez was working on his strength and conditioning on a mat in the gym on Wednesday

New signing Sead Kolasinac did some squats in the gym as players continued their preparation

Clearly Sanchez will help with that mission, but the Chilean is keen to move away and secure Champions League football this term. 

Sportsmail understands the South American left his colleagues under no illusion of his preference to leave as he arrived back to their Hertfordshire HQ on Tuesday.

He trained with fitness coaches for his first day back, before returning to full training on Wednesday. 

Manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated to Sanchez that he will not be sold - and certainly not to an English club.

Danny Welbeck was showing off his standing jump ability with a drill in the huge Gunners gym

Outside, Kolasinac closes down talented full-back Hector Bellerin during a training match

Aaron Ramsey (centre) balances on one leg as the players go through separate workouts