Manchester City remain optimistic of signing the 28-year-old.

Pep Guardiola is still keen to be reunited with the former Barcelona ace at the Etihad.

City’s manager believes Sanchez would give his side the cutting edge needed in attack.

But Arsene Wenger has been adamant Arsenal will not sell, and is even ready to lose him for free next summer.

No contract extension has been agreed with Sanchez, and it remains to be seen if the club will eventually opt to sell.

However, City only have one week left before the deadline shuts next Thursday.

Alexis Sanchez's future is still in doubt at Arsenal with a week until the window shuts

And according to The Times, their pursuit could well be complicated by Chile.

Sanchez has been called-up to the Chile squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

And the Gunners forward is expected to report for international duty early next week.

Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday (4pm), where Sanchez should return to action.

With Chile playing Paraguay on August 31, Sanchez is set to leave England shortly after the Liverpool game.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is hopeful of signing Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal

As a result, sealing a move will become more problematic for City when their target heads for Chile.

But The Times add City officials are discussing tabling a bid.

An offer of £50m could be lodged as they are not giving up on landing Sanchez.

And Guardiola is said to be hopeful of completing a deal before Thursday’s deadline.

Reports, though, have previously suggested a figure of around £70m may be needed to tempt Arsenal.