Alexis Sanchez has told Arsenal he wants to leave the club this summer and join Premier League rivals Manchester City, according to reports.
The 28-year-old’s future at the Emirates remains uncertain as he has yet to agree a contract extension with his current one set to expire in 12 months’ time.
The Chile international has inevitably been linked with several high-profile clubs around Europe, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, along with offers from the Chinese Super League.
However, Manchester City look to be favourites to land him as it is believed Sanchez is keen to remain in the Premier League.
Arsenal are without Champions League football this season and this could possibly see Sanchez move to one that would provide it.
Chilean outlet El Mercurio (via The Sun) claims that although many top European clubs are interested in the striker, he wants to stay in England with Manchester City.
“Not having European competition of the level of the Champions League is significant for Alexis.
“He is motivated by playing in it, and winning it.”
The former Barcelona man did say during the Confederations Cup in Russia a few weeks ago that he has made a decision on his future but has yet to reveal it to the public:
“Alexis spoke with his Chile team-mates in Russia. He explained the situation to them and he also spoke with his family.
“Everybody came to the same conclusion: that it would be best to end his spell with Arsenal and move to City.”
Arsene Wenger has made it crystal clear that he will not sell Sanchez to a Premier League rival and remains confident that he can get the Chilean to commit his future to the Gunners. If Arsenal are unable to tie Sanchez down to a new deal then they risk losing him on a free next summer, but the player has supposedly told sources that he does not want to stay at the Emirates for another season:
“Alexis is not willing to do that, under any circumstances. His intention is to leave right now.”
Arsenal have since signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for £52million, possibly as a replacement for the outgoing Sanchez this summer? Only time will tell.
