That's the view of former Gunners ace Charlie Nicholas.

The Chile international could quit the Emirates this summer, with Manchester City and Paris St-Germain keen on the former Barcelona star.

Arsenal are eyeing Monaco sensation Lemar, 21, with Arsene Wenger keen to splash the cash.

And Nicholas says the Gunners could sell Sanchez and replace him with Lemar and a world-class centre-back.

"I still anticipate Alexis Sanchez leaving this summer. Of course, I'd like to see him stay long-term but I would rather see it sorted," Nicholas told Sky Sports.

"I know it happens all the time but clubs should not be held to ransom by footballers.

"The last time this happened Robin van Persie was sold to Manchester United and helped them win the league, but the club are in a better position now.

"If you can sell your best ever player in Thierry Henry, and your second greatest in Patrick Vieira, then I'd rather you sold a player playing silly games over his future.

"Sanchez has asked Arsenal for similar wages to Cristiano Ronaldo but he is not in the same world.

"It's not about what you lose, it's about how you replace it.

"They could sell £100m worth of players, sign Thomas Lemar and finally get a top-class centre-back and be in a stronger position."