Manchester City will press ahead with a straight cash deal for Alexis Sanchez - and that means Raheem Sterling will stay put.

City believe they can get Sanchez for around £60m with Arsenal likely to hold out for at least £70m as they know it will be difficult to get anyone in.

City offered Sterling in a player-plus-cash deal but the clubs were not able to agree and now the England star looks certain to stay at the Etihad.

City have insisted it was Arsenal who asked about Sterling but Arsenal maintain they were not chasing the deal and do not want to sell.

Raheem Sterling in action against Alexis Sanchez last season (
Image:
AFP)

Sanchez has asked permission to leave the Chile training camp today if necessary as he looks to be on standby to move.

City will have an official ready in South America to move on the deal. Arsenal have insisted that Sanchez will not leave unless it is crazy money or they can get someone else in.

The time is ticking away but there is a growing feeling at City that they will get their man.