Alexis Sanchez will not be sold until Arsenal have a replacement, insists Arsene Wenger amid Manchester United and City interest in star man

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Arsene Wenger has warned Alexis Sanchez's suitors that Arsenal will not sanction his sale until they have a replacement lined-up. 

Sanchez is almost certain to leave the Emirates this month with both Manchester clubs vying for his signatures. 

Sources close to Sanchez insist City are still overwhelming favourites to win the race for the Chilean. But Wenger says Sanchez will not leave until his replacement is through the door. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted nothing is decided over Alexis Sanchez's future

Sanchez is subject to interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City

Bordeaux attacker Malcom is the man Wenger wants to replace his wantaway South American. 

'We didn't sell Sanchez in the summer because we couldn't find a replacement.  Look, it's the case now.' 

When asked whether Alexis would stay if a replacement is not found, Wenger added: 'You sum it up very well. We want a quick resolution. 

On Malcom, the Gunners boss added: 'He's a good player but at the moment nothing is happening there. We are not on that case at the moment.' 

In the race for Sanchez, Jose Mourinho's side are understood to have offered closer to the £35million — their bid is for about £25m — Arsenal want for the contract rebel, while City are negotiating over an offer of around £20m.

But Wenger insisted he was unsure where Sanchez would end the month. 

Pep Guardiola is keen to bring Sanchez to the Etihad — he worked with him at Barcelona

Wenger said: 'Look, honestly, I cannot tell you much more at the moment about this situation because nothing is concrete at the moment. 

'You conclude that. You could say at the moment... it's not that I don't want to inform you, it's that I don't want to give you wrong information. 

'Nothing is decided one way or another.'

There have been doubts over Sanchez's willingness to play for Arsenal in recent weeks. He did not start Wednesday's game against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

The Chilean forward was only used as a substitute by Wenger against Chelsea on Wednesday

Even amid a bad run of form for Sanchez, Wenger insisted he had no doubts over his charge. 

'I don't question Sanchez's passion, when he's on the football pitch he's committed,' Wenger added. 

'I've had many conversations about him. We talked about how everyone can be observing you with a microscope when you're on a short term contract. But Sanchez wants to win.

'He's always fully committed. He never had any problem through his attitude or his commitment.'