Alexis Sanchez is ready to hand in a transfer request to force through a move from Arsenal to Manchester City.

The wantaway striker will demand that Arsene Wenger lets him leave the Emirates.

Sanchez has refused to sign a new contract at Arsenal and has just one year remaining on his current deal.

The Mirror claim the Chile international will hand the transfer request into the club this week.

Sanchez was due to return to training with Arsenal today but due to a bout of flu he has been granted extra time off.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith thinks Riyad Mahrez would be a good signing for the Gunners.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Smith said: “I’d say [Arsenal should go after] Mahrez more than Barkley.

“I think he’s more of a match winner and he’s a more mature player.

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“I’ve just come back from Hong Kong watching Liverpool and Leicester in the Asia Trophy, and Mahrez looked sharp.

“Whether he’s playing for a move, putting himself in the shop window, I don’t know.

“He’s definitely a Champions League player, although I know Arsenal aren’t in that competition this season!”

Alan Smith has backed Arsenal to sign Leicester star Riyad Mahrez

Newcastle are planning to make Arsenal striker Lucas Perez their main man up front this season.

The Sun report Rafa Benitez wants to sign the forward despite his dream of returning to Spain.

Newcastle have already enquired about Perez with Arsenal looking to move him on permanently rather than part of any loan deal.

The Magpies are growing desperate in their search for a forward after missing out on Tammy Abraham and struggling in their pursuit of Villarreal’s Cedric Bakambu.