Report: Arsenal won't sanction Sanchez sale unless replacement is found

Alexis Sanchez will leave Arsenal this month if the club receives a satisfactory offer and a replacement arrives, according to BBC Sport's David Ornstein.

It is believed talks are ongoing between the Gunners and interested party Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola's side may have to improve its £20-million approach to something closer to Arsenal's £35-million valuation. A suitable compromise is understood to be in the region of £25 million-to-£30 million.

Interestingly, Ornstein doesn't include Manchester United in his report. Various outlets including the Guardian claimed City's cross-city rival was attempting to hijack the move with a £25-million bid. The Independent's Miguel Delaney said it was Sanchez's preference to link up with Guardiola, his former manager at Barcelona, but that United was prepared to tempt the Chilean with a better financial package than the one offered by City.

Arsenal made an 11th-hour attempt to wrest Thomas Lemar from Monaco in last summer's transfer window, but its unsuccessful pursuit meant Sanchez's switch to Manchester City - allegedly worth around £60 million - collapsed.

On this occasion, the north London club would rather introduce Malcom, 20, to the Emirates Stadium faithful as Sanchez's replacement. The Bordeaux sensation has proven a menace on the right of a three-pronged frontline this season, scoring seven goals and assisting four times for the 15th-placed Ligue 1 outfit.

If Sanchez's successor isn't found, he will stay with the club. The 29-year-old will then see out the final few months of his contract at Arsenal and then be available on a free transfer in the summer. The Gunners' board is apparently desperate to avoid this scenario.