Alexis Sanchez is understood to have put Chelsea at the top of his possible clubs to join should he leave Arsenal this summer.
Sanchez’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain with talks over a new deal at a standstill, leading to speculation that the Chilean could be on his way out of the Emirates at the end of the season.
Sanchez will have one year left to run on his current deal at Arsenal, and while Arsene Wenger has previously stated that he intends to keep the 28-year-old even if a new contract is not agreed, the Frenchman will surely not want to lose him on a free transfer at the end of next season.
The Chile international has cut a visibly frustrated figure in recent months and the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid have reportedly taken note.
Sanchez has not revealed which club he would like to join should he leave Arsenal, but has said that he wants to continue playing in London, putting Chelsea in pole position for his signature.
The Telegraph now say a move to Stamford Bridge is appealing to Sanchez who is believed to be ‘attracted’ by Anotnio Conte’s style of football.
However, Wenger has made it clear that he will not sell Sanchez to another Premier League club
“Would I rather keep him than sell him to a Premier League rival? Yes. I don’t think you would sell him to any Premier League club, that is for sure. Why not? The question is more why would you sell him to another Premier League club? You want to be as strong as you can be and not strengthen the other teams.
“I think he will sign and stay because, first of all, he is happy here. His desire is to stay. That is what I deeply believe. The disagreements are purely contractual – not on the desire. Both parties have the desire to find an agreement, so I think it will happen.”
Having seen Wenger sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United a few seasons ago, anything is possible, including Sanchez moving to Chelsea.
