Alexis Sanchez axed from Arsenal squad to face Bournemouth as Man City transfer looms
Arsene Wenger will leave the wantaway Chilean out for Premier League clash in clearest indication move is imminent
ARSENE WENGER has axed Alexis Sanchez from the Arsenal squad to face Bournemouth today.
Sanchez, 29, was a substitute for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea last Wednesday.
But Wenger has now left Sanchez out today as his move to Manchester City inches closer.
It is a massive call by Wenger if he goes through with the decision, but it is also the clearest indication yet that his transfer is imminent.
The Chile forward has made it clear he wants out of Arsenal this month and the money men at the Emirates are ready to do business.
Arsenal want £35million for the forward, but City are only willing to pay £20m.
Manchester United are also keen to scoop Sanchez - with boss Jose Mourinho admitting he is ready to "fight" Pep Guardiola for his signature.
SunSport revealed on Sunday that the Red Devils will match Arsenal's asking price, and offer the former Barcelona ace £350k a week to snub the Etihad for Old Trafford.
PAY DAY Alexis Sanchez will earn £60k-a-week more at Man Utd if he chooses them over City this month
But Sanchez still prefers City, and Arsenal could be forced to accept their lower offer to avoid losing their star man for free in the summer.
Wenger refused to confirm Sanchez is holding out for an Etihad switch.
And he also suggested any transfer is still some time away.
The Arsenal boss said: "He's being vague at the moment. His situation isn’t completely decided one way or the other. Even I don't know which way it will go."
Wenger is already preparing for life without Sanchez and has earmarked Bordeaux’s £44m-rated Brazilian winger Malcom as a potential replacement.