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Alexis Sanchez plays peacemaker as Granit Xhaka and Nacho Monreal row during Arsenal training

Tempers looked to flare at London Colney as Arsene Wenger's side prepare for FA Cup semi-final

ALEXIS SANCHEZ plays peacemaker as Granit Xhaka and Nacho Monreal row in Arsenal training.

Sanchez, who was left out of the PFA team of the year, tried to diffuse the situation as Xhaka and Monreal remonstrated with each other.

 Alexis Sanchez appears to play peacemaker as Granit Xhaka and Nacho Monreal row
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Alexis Sanchez appears to play peacemaker as Granit Xhaka and Nacho Monreal rowCredit: Getty Images

Xhaka, a £35million arrival last summer, stood opposite Monreal as Sanchez raised his arms to the latter's chest.

The flashpoint came during training at Arsenal's London Colney base ahead of the Gunners' FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City tomorrow.

It is not clear what the argument was about - and Sanchez was later seen laughing and smiling - but it was enough to draw a look from a nearby coach.

 Granit Xhaka then appeared to turn on Alexis Sanchez
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Granit Xhaka then appeared to turn on Alexis SanchezCredit: Getty Images
 Alexis Sanchez covers his face in Arsenal training
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Alexis Sanchez covers his face in Arsenal trainingCredit: Getty Images
 Alexis Sanchez tries to stop Mohamed Elneny as Arsenal complete training ahead of their FA Cup semi-final
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Alexis Sanchez tries to stop Mohamed Elneny as Arsenal complete training ahead of their FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty Images
 There did not seem to be any other arguments during training at London Colney
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There did not seem to be any other arguments during training at London ColneyCredit: Getty Images
 Arsene Wenger looked in good spirits ahead of taking on Pep Guardiola
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Arsene Wenger looked in good spirits ahead of taking on Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty Images

Sanchez, who reportedly talked to Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery over a possible move, also walked round with his shirt covering his face.

And Francis Coquelin was at one point seen lifting his arms in a bemused fashion.

Arsene Wenger will be hoping there is no such tension when his side meet City at Wembley.

Pep Guardiola's side sit seven points above Arsenal in fourth, though the London side have one game in hand.

Fifth-placed Manchester United are three clear of Arsenal but both have played 31 games.

But a place in the FA Cup final beckons if Wenger's side can make it two wins on the bounce following their 2-1 triumph over Middlesbrough last Monday.

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