Arsenal keen on Anthony Martial in part-exchange for Alexis Sanchez as Man United assume pole position in race to sign the Chilean forward

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Arsenal are reportedly keen to take Manchester United striker Anthony Martial in part-exchange for Alexis Sanchez.

United have moved ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign the Chilean this month because of their willingness to pay a bigger transfer fee and the offer of a player as part of the deal.

This player was expected to be Henrikh Mkhitaryan but, according to the Evening Standard, Arsene Wenger wants to explore the possibility of getting France striker Martial.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to sign Man United striker Anthony Martial in part-exchange for Alexis Sanchez if the Chilean leaves for Old Trafford 

Wenger said on Sunday that Sanchez's future would be determined 'in the next 48 hours'

Sanchez, 29, was left out of Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, with Wenger saying his situation would be resolved 'in the next 48 hours.'

Although City believe Sanchez is more keen to join them and reunite with Pep Guardiola, his former manager at Barcelona, United have assumed pole position because of their willingness to be flexible.

But while Wenger would be keen on acquiring Martial, who has scored nine times for United this season, it is not believed Jose Mourinho will entertain the idea.

Martial celebrates scoring the winning goal for United in their win over Tottenham in October

Arsene Wenger, pictured during Sunday's 2-1 loss at Bournemouth, is keen on Martial

United manager Jose Mourinho is unlikely to countenance any deal involving Martial

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is more likely to be the player involved in any Sanchez part-exchange

Mourinho is more likely to allow Armenian winger Mkhitaryan to leave in exchange for Sanchez given his struggles since moving to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.

United have stolen a march because City, who came close to signing Sanchez back in the summer, have refused to pay more than their opening offer of £20m and are reluctant to pay a £5m fee to the player's agent.

Arsenal ideally want as much as £40m but would be willing to agree to a figure in the region of £30m-£35m, especially with a United player thrown in.