Arsenal transfer news: Sanchez's agreement, Wenger confirms first January signing and more

Alexis Sanchez verbally agrees to join Manchester City

The Arsenal star is in the final six months of his Arsenal contract and is likely to leave in this transfer window or the next. As per several reports, he has no intention of staying at the Emirates and now, according to the Spanish news outlet, Marca, the Chilean superstar has verbally agreed to join Manchester City.

Sanchez almost joined City in the summer on deadline day before the Gunners pulled the plug on the deal owing to their failure to land a suitable replacement.

However, the 29-year old is now free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs starting from this month but as per the report, his heart is already set on joining the Premier League leaders and potential suitors such as PSG and Bayern Munich have been informed of the same.

The attacker has reportedly agreed to join the Citizens in the upcoming summer on a free transfer after failing to do the same in the last one. However, Gabriel Jesus' injury is set to speed up the move and Wenger's stance has softened as per reports, implying Sanchez can be signed in this transfer window for £25m.

While Arsenal would prefer to sell to a foreign club, the lack of concrete suitors and also, Sanchez's desire to join Manchester City, could well see another Gunner joining a direct rival.

Arsene Wenger confirms first January signing

Arsenal set to complete first January signing

The Arsenal boss has confirmed that the London side's first January signing will be Greek defender, Konstantinos Mavropanos from PAS Giannina. The 20-year old centre-back is set to cost the Gunners around £1.8m and joins the likes of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers as the young defensive options in the squad.

Wenger confirmed the signing after his side's thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea and said:

"Yes, but he's not ready to play. He will go out on loan."

Thus, Mavropanos is set to be loaned out until the end of the season and will be assessed in the summer. The defender represents the first signing after an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment department.

Now, the department is headed by former Borussia Dortmund head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, who built a reputation for picking up rough diamonds at the Bundesliga club.

The Gunners faithful will have to wait until the summer to see their first January signing playing for them.

Jack Wilshere's contract talks yet to begin

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League — Wilshere's contract talks yet to begin

The 25-year old has finally forced his way into Wenger's first-team plans and has started the previous six games. This comes after struggling for fitness and getting confined to appearances in cup competitions at the beginning of the season.

An injury to Aaron Ramsey opened the doors for Wilshere and he grew in confidence with every passing game, which culminated in him scoring the opening goal against Chelsea in yesterday's 2-2 draw.

After the match, the Englishman was asked regarding contract talks as both the player and manager had confirmed them in recent weeks. However, Wilshere replied:

"No progress there."

The midfielder is out of contract in the summer and is open to talking to foreign clubs from this month. Further, he is eager to make it into Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad and requires regular playing time for achieving that target. He said:

"I want to be going to Russia but now is not the time to be thinking about that. We've got to take each game as it comes, keep playing in this time, keep improving and we'll see what comes in March for the next international games."

As he returns to top form, it is imperative for Arsenal to tie him down to a new deal or risk losing one of their own for a free in the summer.