Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez Pursued By Bayern Munich, Chelsea As Summer Transfer

Several European teams are fighting to sign Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich having emerged as the top contenders thus far.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich Interested in Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez as Summer Signing

Bayern Munich are reportedly eager to sign the 28-year-old Chilean, amid reports Arsenal would demand £50 million ($62.3 million) for his signature this summer, according to Sport .

The Evening Standard’s James Olley also reported that Arsenal would likely demand a large sum before agreeing to this deal. Even with just one year remaining on his contract, the Gunners estimate Sanchez’s value at £50 million.

Sanchez himself, is demanding a pay rise from £130,000 ($162,000) a week to £250,000 ($311,000), and has told Arsenal this is non-negotiable.

The Chilean, a former Barcelona star, has been a stand-out player for Arsenal since he arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2014.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Italian manager Antonio Conte is negotiating a new contract with the club, and summer signings have been discussed as part of this. Sanchez’s name has been added to the list of potential signings.

Paris Saint-German, one of Europe’s richest teams, are also interested in the forward, as are Juventus and Internazionale.

Sánchez’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, is understood to be aware of Chelsea’s interest, although there has not yet been an actual bid from the English club, who are the Premier League leaders. Arsene Wenger recently stated contract negotiations with Sanchez were on hold until the end of the season. The Chilean is determined to leave, nevertheless, as he has allegedly been frustrated with the lack of progress at Arsenal over the last two seasons. At the beginning of March, Sanchez reportedly stormed out of an Arsenal training session, and was also involved in a locker-room scuffle with some of his teammates. If Chelsea were to sign Sanchez, he would become the club’s first transfer from Arsenal since Ashley Cole in 2006.

Conte joined Arsenal last summer on a deal until 2019 worth approximately £6.5 million ($8.1 million) per year and, although Chelsea are keen to extend that and will increase his salary, any agreement reached may be confirmed only after the club wins the Champions League.

SANTA CLARA, CA – JUNE 18: Jesus Duenas #20 of Mexico battles for control of the ball with Alexis Sanchez #7 of Chile during the 2016 Copa America Centenario Quarterfinals match play between Mexico and Chile at Levi’s Stadium on June 18, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena