£50million bid prepared for Arsenal’s forward

Manchester City will attempt to test Arsenal’s resolve to keep Chilean Alexis Sanchez this week by tabling a £50million offer for the forward.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said throughout the summer transfer window that Sanchez will not be sold, not least to an English Premier League rival.

The Chile international’s contract runs out at the end of the current season and has told Arsenal that he has no intention to renew his deal at the Emirate Stadium.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the 28-year-old and still feels his team need to be reinforced, despite having splashed £215million this summer transfer window.

The former Barcelona forward is thought to be receptive about a transfer to the Etihad Stadium and the Times is reporting that City will table a new bid worth £50m this week.

It would be a big gamble for Arsene Wenger to let Alexis Sanchez go at this late stage and the Gunners are unlikely to replace him adequately for the remainder of the transfer window.

The North London club face a daunting away trip to play Merseyside giant Liverpool at Anfield Stadium on Sunday after their brilliant 4-2 win over Bundesliga club Hoffenheim and Alexis Sanchez could find his sit on the substitute bench for the first time this campaign.