Sanchez tells Arsenal his transfer preference… and it’s not City or Bayern

Alexis Sanchez has made it clear to Arsenal that he wants to leave the club this summer, but neither Manchester City nor Bayern Munich are his preferred destinations.

The two giants of European football are the clubs pushing hardest to lure the Chilean away from the Emirates, but he is desperate to remain in London.

According to The Independent, Sanchez loves living in the city and would prefer not to have to relocate, meaning champions Chelsea are the club he is most keen to join.

However, Arsenal will do everything in their power to block Sanchez from strengthening a Premier League rival.

The Gunners are ready to snub a new £50 million bid from City that is currently being prepared, even though they risk losing Sanchez for nothing next summer.

The 28-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of 2018, meaning he is able to begin negotiating a free transfer away from Arsenal in January.

Chelsea are long-time admirers of Sanchez but appeared to have fallen behind City and Bayern in the race to sign him, though will be buoyed by his desire to remain in London.

While Arsenal are still of the belief that Sanchez could be persuaded to extend his contract, they are braced for his departure and consider a transfer to Bayern more ‘palatable’.