Arsenal transfer news: Sanchez's conditions for Madrid move, Gunners sign 'Diamond Eye' and more - 21st November 2017

Alexis Sanchez lays out conditions Real Madrid move

The Chilean almost joined Manchester City in the summer but was forced to stay after Arsenal failed to sign his replacement, Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco. The 28-year-old is yet to sign a new contract and is very likely to leave the Emirates in the upcoming January transfer window for a reduced price, or for free in the summer.

Foreign clubs can negotiate with Sanchez in January with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich interested. However, the star forward is rumoured to prefer a move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger does not want to sell a top player to a domestic rival and is now willing to conduct business with Real Madrid for £27 million, as per Don Balon.

A move to Madrid is reportedly of interest to Sanchez but he has put forth two conditions. Firstly, he wants a regular starting spot in the team, thereby guaranteeing his importance at the club. Secondly, he has demanded a pay rise to match the contracts offered by other suitors.

From Real Madrid's point of view, neither of the two conditions should be too problematic given their reliance on superstars and financial muscle. Meanwhile, Arsenal can use the money from the deal to sign an able replacement while preventing Sanchez from joining a domestic rival at the same time.

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Arsenal sign 'Diamond Eye' from Dortmund

Arsenal have completed the signing of Sven Mislintat from Dortmund

The London club have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund's recruitment chief, Sven Mislintat. The 45-year-old built a spectacular reputation for himself at Dortmund, unearthing the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Shinji Kagawa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele, thus earning his nickname.

Mislintat's signing is expected to be a game-changer for Arsenal as the market becomes more volatile. Wenger praised the move, saying:

“We are delighted that Sven is joining us. Identifying and developing talent is a core part of our philosophy and Sven has an outstanding track record over many years. We look forward to him taking our existing recruitment approach forwards.”

The German replaces Steve Rowley, who steps down after serving the club for 25 years, and is expected to work together with Wenger and chief executive, Ivan Gazidis. Wenger thanked Rowley for his immense contribution, saying:

“We would like to thank Steve Rowley for all his hard work over many years for the club. He has been a key figure in our recruitment of so many top players and has travelled thousands and thousands of miles, watching hundreds of games for us during his time at the club. We wish him well for the future.”

Mislintat's arrival could usher in a new era of dominance for Arsenal in the coming years.

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Wenger gives Ozil permission to leave

Ozil could leave Arsenal as early as January

Along with Sanchez, Mesut Ozil is also inching towards an exit as his contract is set to expire in the summer. Despite Wenger's claims that negotiations are ongoing with the German, the Arsenal boss has given his approval for the player's departure, as per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

Ozil was recently linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona as an alternative for Philippe Coutinho if the latter does not join Ernesto Valverde's side in January. Now, Wenger's nod of approval has reportedly led to the player's agent, Dr. Erkut Sogut entering negotiations with the Blaugrana over contract details, which indicate a departure is imminent.

Meanwhile, Ozil's team-mate Nacho Monreal thinks otherwise, not only about the playmaker's departure but also of a possible Sanchez exit. He told IBTimes:

“Yes, the feeling is that they will continue. At no time have we talked about the possibility of them leaving. Not at all, they are committed to the group and we will see what happens."