ARSENAL TO SANCHEZ : “You are free to quit Emirates for Manchester United but on two conditions”

Alexis Sanchez can now leave Arsenal in January, Arsenal chiefs have accepted this but have two conditions for him to quit the Emirates, reports say.

The Gunners are resigned to losing the Chilean either in the winter transfer window or on a free transfer in the summer – and a move to Manchester appears most likely.

Manchester City are thought to be his favored destination, with a reunion with Pep Guardiola on the cards, but Manchester United are willing to match his wage demands, which could persuade the 29-year-old to link up with Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal are happy to sanction a move to Old Trafford or the Etihad but are chasing a £35million fee and they want to bring in a replacement first, according to the BBC.

City are thought to have offered Arsenal £20m, while United’s current bid stands at £25m. The Gunners are thought to be willing to compromise around the £30m mark.

In terms of replacement, Arsene Wenger’s top target is Bordeaux’s Brazilian attacker Malcolm. The French tactician held private talks with the 20-year-old’s agent earlier this week, although United and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be keen on landing him.