Alexis Sanchez has edged closer to leaving Arsenal after he agreed personal terms with Manchester City, according to reports in Portugal.
O Jogo claims that the Chile international recently spoke with Pep Guardiola, which has helped speed up the transfer, and negotiations have now progressed to a point where the deal is ‘virtually complete’.
Sanchez has verbally agreed to join City, according to O Jogo, and the deal will cost Guardiola’s side £50 million.
On Friday, reports in Chile claimed that the 28-year-old had informed Arsenal and Arsene Wenger about his desire to join City.
‘Not playing in the Champions League is a big deal for Alexis, he is motivated to participate and win it,’ a source close to Sanchez told El Mercurio.
‘Alexis spoke to his team-mates in Russia about the subject, he has spoken with his family as well.
‘All of them came to the same conclusion – it is best for him to end his journey with Arsenal and join City.
‘Alexis is not willing for that, for any reason, [to stay at Arsenal] his idea is to leave in this moment.’
Arsene Wenger has insisted throughout the summer that he would not allow the Chilean to join a Premier League rival.
The Arsenal boss has also claimed that he would be willing to let Sanchez leave on a free next summer when his contract expires.
The Chilean has just one year remaining on his current deal and has so far refused Arsenal’s offer, which is close to £300,000 a week.
Sanchez is Guardiola’s priority attacking signing having already landed Bernardo Silva from Monaco in May and the 28-year-old is now closing in on his move to the Etihad Stadium.
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