Alexis Sanchez's contract at the Emirates expires at the end of next season and while Arsenal have reportedly offered the forward an improved deal, the 28-year-old is yet to put pen to paper. Subsequently, Sanchez has been linked with several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid. Now, further reports have emerged that London rivals Chelsea have identified Alexis Sanchez as their top transfer target.
Sanchez seemingly unhappy at the Emirates
With 22 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, Alexis Sanchez has been Arsenal's main man in front of goal this season. The Chilean has become an integral part of the Arsenal team since arriving in the summer of 2014, but has grown increasingly frustrated with his situation at Arsenal. During the Gunners' 5:1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich earlier this month, Sanchez was seen smirking on the bench after being substituted in the second half of the match. The former Barcelona man was also dropped from the starting line-up against Liverpool after having been reportedly involved in a dressing room row with teammates.
Arsene Wenger recently confirmed that contract talks with both Sanchez and Mesut Özil have been put on hold until the summer. The Guardian further reported that the Chilean is demanding a pay rise from £130,000 a week to £250,000. He's also made it clear to the Gunners that this condition was non-negotiable. During his three years at the Emirates, Sanchez has won 1 FA Cup and 2 Community Shields, but it is looking increasingly likely that his time with the Gunners may be coming to an end this summer.
Antonio Conte keen on bringing Sanchez to Stamford Bridge
According to The Guardian, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has met with the club's higher-ups to discuss the possibility of moving for Alexis Sanchez in the summer.
The Italian manager has successfully revitalized the Blues during his first season in London, as Chelsea sit 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Antonio Conte is now being rewarded for his stellar season with a new and improved deal. As part of this new deal, potential transfer options are also being discussed between Conte and the Chelsea board. The Chelsea boss is understood to have made Sanchez his no. 1 transfer target in the upcoming transfer window, as he looks to strengthen Chelsea's attack. The prospect of an all-out-attack consisting of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and Alexis Sanchez must be a dream come true for many Chelsea supporters.
Arsenal expected to demand £50 million for Alexis Sanchez
While Arsenal remain optimistic that Sanchez will sign a contract extension, the Gunners have now set a price for their forward. According to Metro, Arsenal will demand £50 million for the Chilean should he fail to sign a new deal. Sanchez moved from Barcelona to Arsenal for a transfer fee of £31.7 million, so should the Chilean leave in the summer, the Gunners would at least be making a financial profit. Arsenal supporters, however, will be less thrilled to see their star player leave, even less so if he goes to a city rival.