It could be a long day for Arsenal.
The club look set to sell Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City, after a second bid for the Chilean forward was submitted. City have tabled an offer worth an initial £55m for Sanchez, who has made no secret of his desire to leave the Emirates.
Sanchez is currently on international duty with Chile, and several media outlets have reported that the bid was accepted by Arsenal on Thursday afternoon.
The Mirror report that the two clubs have “agreed in principle” to the transfer.
BREAKING: @ManCity have submitted a second bid to @Arsenal for Alexis Sanchez – Sky sources #DeadlineDay #SSN pic.twitter.com/us19umAB5c
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 31, 2017
Alexis close to sign for City for £55 + £5. Arsenal asked for few hours to sign Thomas Lemar, which they confident they are going to do
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 31, 2017
#mcfc second bid for Alexis Sanchez is another straight cash bid. An initial £55m with £5m more in add ons #afc
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) August 31, 2017
Raheem Sterling, who was reportedly offered as part of the deal for Sanchez earlier this week, will not be part of the transfer.
Sanchez’s arrival at City will reunite him with his old Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. The City boss, who is considered by many to be the best coach in world football, will have spent over £250m on transfers this summer if the Sanchez deal goes through.
The 28-year-old is out of contract in 12 months, which may explain why the fee seems to be below his value in the current market. According to reports, the transfer could depend on Arsenal’s pursuit of Thomas Lemar from Monaco.
Arsene Wenger sees the 21-year-old as a replacement for Sanchez and will reportedly bid £90m for the player, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool.
Arsenal are, as reported, actively trying to sign Lemar as Sanchez replacement. Hinges on Monaco selling #mcfc #afc
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) August 31, 2017
If Arsenal can get the deal over the line before tonight’s 11pm deadline they will sanction Sanchez’s move to City.
But, if they fail to sign Lemar, and still sell Sanchez, Arsenal Fan TV will be a must watch.
