Alexis Sanchez wants to join Manchester City – and has told Arsenal to sell him “right now”.
The superstar is caught in the middle of this summer’s biggest transfer saga, with the Gunners desperate to sign him to a new deal as he enters the final year of his contract.
However, free-spending Manchester City are determined to bring Sanchez to the Etihad, where he would enjoy a reunion with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move this summer after Arsene Wenger’s side missed out of the Premier League’s top four last term.
But Chilean outlet El Mercurio claims the forward has elected to stay in England with City.
A source, reported to be close to Sanchez, told the newspaper: “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.”
Sanchez, 28, is on holiday after firing Chile to the final of the Confederations Cup, where the South American champions lost to Germany.
And it is claimed the former Barcelona man made his decision to leave the Emirates while at the tournament in Russia.
The source added: “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.”
Arsenal have strengthened in attack this window the club-record £52million signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
Club chiefs are adamant that does not mean Sanchez will not be sold – even though they risk losing him for free next summer if he does not extend his current deal.
But the player is believed to have made it clear he does not want to stay for another season.
The source continued: “Alexis is not willing to do that, under any circumstances. His intention is to leave right now.”
