Alexis Sanchez has reportedly asked to leave the Chile camp to conduct personal business - amid a sensational new offer from Manchester City .

They have offered Raheem Sterling plus cash for the wantaway Arsenal star in a bid to get a deal over the line before the transfer window closes.

And TV13 claim Sanchez has requested for permission to take 24 hours away from the rest of the Chile group as speculation over his future intensifies.

They face a crunch World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday night - the same day the window slams shut.

Alexis Sanchez has asked for permission to leave the Chile camp (
Image:
Getty Images)
Sanchez could leave the Gunners for free next summer (
Image:
Getty)
Wenger is under pressure at the Emirates (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Arsenal have insisted that Sanchez is not for sale even though he only has one year left on his contract.

But Mirror Sport understands there has now been direct contact between the clubs - and City have made the shock offer involving Sterling.

England star Sterling has started the season well, scoring the winner at Bournemouth and equaliser against Everton.

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Sterling has tough competition for places at City (
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AFP)
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But this will be a major surprise for Sterling as City look to shake up their squad and pull off a major deal.

City believe a player-plus-cash deal is the only way that Arsenal may be tempted to sell Sanchez.

They had been expected to bid this week and have now finally gone for it but it is unlikely Arsenal will sanction the sale.

Arsenal may only be tempted by around £70m but City have not offered that in straight cash.

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