Arsenal Transfer News LIVE updates: Alexis Sanchez tipped to leave, Arsene Wenger talks

Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Follow below for updates from the Emirates

Wednesday 16 August

Sanchez likely to leave

20:14: Former Chelsea striker Pat Nevin doesn’t think the Gunners will keep hold of Alexis Sanchez past next summer.

“There are three positions (for Arsenal),” Nevin said on 5Live.

“There’s sell now. There’s keep him to the end of his contract. And there’s keep and re-sign (his contract).

“I’m trying to think what the percentages of these positions are at the moment.

“Sell: probably 50 per cent. Keep and run down his contract: 40 per cent. Keep him and re-sign him: 10 per cent, maximum.

“If he runs down his contract what he will get elsewhere will be absolutely phenomenal.”

Spurs favourites for Barkley, but Chelsea aren’t far behind...

14:35: Tottenham remain favourites to sign Everton Ross Barkley, according to the bookies.

Ronald Koeman has reiterated that Everton have received NO firm interest in Barkley, but the imminent arrival of Gylfi Sigurdsson could see his departure accelerated.

BetStars Director of Trading Ian Marmion said: “The imminent arrival of Gylfi Sigurdsson at Goodison Park seems to have all but confirmed Ross Barkley’s inevitable exit from his boyhood club this summer and has put a host of clubs on high alert.

“Tottenham have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old playmaker and are now the clear favourites at evens to make Barkley their first signing of the summer.

“However, Spurs face strong competition from their London rivals Chelsea who are desperate to add attacking reinforcements to their ranks before the transfer window shuts and are priced at 3/1 to make a swoop for the Toffees’ midfielder.

“AC Milan, Newcastle and Arsenal are all priced at 10/1 to make a late charge for the England international.”

Wenger’s dig at Liverpool

13:54: Arsene Wenger has aimed a little dig at Liverpool over Philippe Coutinho’s transfer saga.

Wenger was asked if he was glad his stars Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain haven’t handed in transfer requests at Arsenal like Coutinho has at Liverpool.

To which Arsene Wenger replied: “Yes, I am very happy about that.

“It's important you have a serene atmosphere inside and clarity about your commitment. 

“It's important the players aren't half in and half out and they are completely in.”

Wenger doesn’t see Costa/Sanchez similarity

12:25: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger doesn’t think any caparisons can be drawn between Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa.

Costa’s seeking a move back to Spain in the transfer window and has not played for Chelsea since the FA Cup final in May, following which he claims manager Antonio Conte sent him a text, telling him he was not in his plans for the new season.

Meanwhile Sanchez, 28, has not played for the Gunners this season and still hasn’t signed a contract extension at the Emirates with Manchester City speculation still rife.

But Wenger doesn’t think the situations are similar because Arsenal want to keep Sanchez.

He said: “No, I don’t think that Costa has only one year to go. I don’t think there is any comparison at all, because we want him to be with us and Chelsea does not necessarily want that.”

Ozil is the Premier League’s best

11:30: Who is the best player the Premier League? It’s Mesut Ozil of course!

That’s according to Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who believes his compatriot is underrated.

He explained to France Football: "The strongest player in England, I think? Mesut Ozil. He is really, very strong.

"You get the impression that he does not care, that he is nonchalant, but at one point he will put a pass that nobody has seen.

"He always knows everything before everyone else. That's what is fabulous about him."

Sanchez going nowhere - Wenger

10:30: Updates from our reporter Matt Dunn.

Don’t hold your breath, Arsenal fans, for any more significant signings this summer – but those that don’t want Alexis Sanchez to leave can risk a huge sigh of relief.

Emerging from between the lines of Arsene Wenger’s regular weekly press conference was the strongest indication yet that Arsenal will not be bowing to any sort of player power from the injured Chile international.

Wenger admits no progress has been made on renewing a contract that allows the £50m rated player to walk away for nothing next summer – but that may just be a price that the club are willing to pay.

“At the moment he is a player who goes into the final year of his contract and prepares for the season - we have not made any progress on the other front.

“So am I really willing to let Alexis leave for free next summer? That is a consequence of what I say, yes, unfortunately.

“We have to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest and most of the time if you can find a good compromise, it’d better. But in this case, I think I prioritise the fact that he will be useful on the sporting side.”

Wenger: Sanchez will miss Stoke clash

10:00: Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez is not fit for Arsenal's trip to Stoke.

Sanchez missed Arsenal's Community Shield win over Chelsea and their opening Premier League 4-3 win over Leicester on Friday with an abdominal strain.

And the Chile international, whose future remains the subject of considerable speculation, will not be part of the travelling squad against Stoke on Saturday (5.30pm).

“For Sanchez it looks a little early but he works hard in training,” Wenger said.

Rival trio want Ox

09:00: Manchester United and Liverpool have both made enquiries over Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but Chelsea remain frontrunners to sign him.

The Arsenal winger is yet to agree a new contract at the Gunners with his current deal running until the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger is determined to keep hold of the England international but his uncertain future has led to interest from their Premier League rivals.

And according to the Gambling Times, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all approached Arsenal to discuss his availability.

While Liverpool and City have both been linked with a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past, news of United's supposed interest could spark another summer battle between Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to sign another wide player before the transfer window shuts later this month.

However, Chelsea are confident they can see off competition and prise him away from the Emirates.

Jack Wilshere to Aston Villa?

08:00: Aston Villa are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere. 

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer with just one year remaining on his current contract. 

West Ham, Newcastle, Swansea, and Italian side Sampdoria have reportedly expressed an interest in the England international. 

But The Daily Mirror claim Aston Villa has entered the race with Steve Bruce keen to bring in another marquee signing following the arrival of John Terry. 

It is said he is willing to offer him a big contract and bonuses in the hope of luring him away from the Emirates. 

However, Wilshere could stay and fight for his place after returning to full fitness for the Gunners against Derby Under 23s on Monday night. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pay demands

07:00: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly wants £150,000-a-week to move from Arsenal to Chelsea.

Reports have emerged suggesting Antonio Conte wants to spend £130million on players before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is on the Blues’ wishlist, and a £35m bid is supposedly being lined up.

The England international’s current Emirates deal expires next year, but is seeking better pay terms.

And according to Goal, the 23-year-old is pushing for a £150,000-a-week deal to engineer a move to Chelsea.

At present, Oxlade-Chamberlain earns around £65,000-a-week with the Gunners.

Tuesday 15 August

Sanchez going nowhere

23.30: Arsene Wenger has stressed Alexis Sanchez will not be leaving Arsenal this summer under any circumstances.

When asked if he stands by the fact Sanchez will not be leaving, Wenger told BeIN Sports: “Yeah, of course."

And when questioned about clubs regaining power from their players, the Frenchman insisted it was important they learned to honour their contracts.

“It’s difficult to say power back," the Arsenal boss added.

“I just think… It looks unusual to the media sometimes that clubs want contracts to be respected.

"For me, it looks logical so I am amazed that you are amazed because it looks normal. If I sign a contract, I respect it. 

"Of course if a club releases me it’s normal that I can go somewhere else. I know when I signed for two years at Arsenal, it’s a contract and I have to respect it.”

Wenger thrilled with bargain Tank

17:00: Arsene Wenger has praised summer signing Sead Kolasinac.

Arsenal picked up the versatile defender as a free agent from Bundesliga outfit Schalke.

And Wenger is thrilled with the bargain in this summer’s inflated transfer market.

He said: “His performance talks about him and the way the crowd responds shows he has been straight away been accepted and shows you can still find good players on the market for free.

“For me it is important to build the game out from the back, sometimes I am punished for it but it has to be the basis of our game. If you want to play football you have to build the game out from the back.”

Perez to Deportivo stalls

15.50: Deportivo La Coruna are not willing to increase their £11m offer for Lucas Perez, according to the London Evening Standard.

The report says the Gunners are holding out for £13.4m but the La Liga side will not stretch to meet their demands.

The deal has now stalled and there are no plans for further talks between Deportivo president Tino Fernandez and Arsenal chiefs.

Fernandez admitted last week that attempts to bring Lucas back to Galicia had been “very difficult".

Henry wants to see Sanchez and Lacazette

13:00 Thierry Henry believes Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette can form a stunning partnership at Arsenal.

Sanchez has yet to play for the Gunners this season after being linked with a move away from the Emirates.

But Henry said: “When the big man comes back and hopefully he is going to come back soon, Alexis Sanchez, he is going to play on the left.

“I think Lacazette is going to play in the centre. That is where I would like to see him play.

“[Olivier] Giroud can offer a lot and he showed that [against Leicester] but I would love to see the partnership that Sanchez and Lacazette can create.”

Benzema approach made

11:00: Arsenal have made contact with Real Madrid over the possibility of signing Karim Benzema.

Spanish publication Don Balon claim Arsenal have made an approach to Madrid officials to see if they would be keen on signing Alexis Sanchez with Benzema moving in the opposite direction.

However, Arsenal's attempts have been knocked back with the European champions insisting Benzema is not for sale.

Zinedine Zidane believes the 29-year-old will be an important part of his plans this season and Madrid are already working on trying to tie him down to a new deal.

ICYMI transfer deadline changing?

10:00: Premier League clubs will discuss proposals to move the transfer deadline to BEFORE the start of the season in future.

The current transfer window closes in England at the end of August, meaning distraction and disruption for clubs once the domestic season starts in earnest.

Transfer sagas involving the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ross Barkley have dragged on this summer and could go right up untl deadline day.

But representatives from the 20 Premier League clubs are to attend ­September’s shareholders’ meeting with the majority pushing for a new transfer deadline to be introduced.

It will be proposed that the ­deadline is brought forward to the week before the start of the 2018-19 Premier League season, with almost all of the 20 clubs understood to be behind the idea.

The move would only affect buying players not selling, meaning current deals for the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Diego Costa could still go through.

Chelsea prepare Ox offer

08:30: Chelsea are reportedly ready to splash the cash on their top three targets, starting with a bid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Antonio Conte has been vocal about his displeasure with the size of his Chelsea squad and his desperate to add more bodies.

Chelsea missed out on Romelu Lukaku to rivals Manchester United while Jose Mourinho’s side also nabbed Nemanja Matic from Stamford Bridge.

But the Daily Mirror claim Roman Abramovich is ready to back Conte in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

The Blues have been linked with a move for Arsenal star Oxlade-Chamberlain recently but it is said Chelsea are now ready to offer £35m for the England international.

Manchester City bid for Alexis Sanchez

05:00 Manchester City are set to bid £60million for Alexis Sanchez, reports claim.

Manchester City are keen to sign Sanchez but Arsenal are refusing to sell to a rival.

However, City believe they can still land the Chile international this summer and will test Arsenal’s resolve.

That is according to the Daily Telegraph, who claim Sanchez will be offered a contract worth around £400,000 a week to quit the Emirates.

Sanchez has just 11 months left on his current Gunners deal and any hope of him signing fresh terms appear to have ended.

Mesut Ozil instructs Barcelona move

04:00: Mesut Ozil has reportedly told his agent to get him a move to Barcelona this summer.

The Arsenal playmaker is yet to sign a new a deal at the Emirates and has just 12 months left to run on his current contract.

He played 90 minutes as Arsenal came back to win 4-3 against Leicester on Friday.

But his future remains uncertain and now reports in Spain claim he wants to quit London.

Don Balon report that Ozil has asked his agent to contact Barcelona and seal him a move.