Arsenal transfer news: Mourinho wants Sanchez, Lemar update and more - 12th January 2018 

Manchester United make a late swoop for Alexis Sanchez

In a new twist, the Red Devils have made a late bid to sign the Chilean, as per several reports in England. The 29-year old is in the final six months of his contract and looks to have his heart set on joining Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. In fact, Sanchez almost joined the Citizens in the summer on deadline day when a deal was agreed.

However, Arsene Wenger failed to land his replacement in Thomas Lemar and consequently, pulled the plug on Sanchez's deal. Now, the attacker looks set to join City in January or in the summer with BBC journalist, David Ornstein confirming the news on his personal Twitter account.

As reported by others, Alexis Sanchez will leave Arsenal this month if suitable offer made + replacement secured. Hierarchy accept/expect it, conversations continue with Man City. #AFC wanted £35m, #MCFC £20m, possible compromise £25-30m. 1st choice replacement Bordeaux’s Malcom pic.twitter.com/lZtS98ocqk

— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 11, 2018

Thus, United's interest might have arrived too late for Sanchez to consider. However, if Jose Mourinho can turn the tables, then there is a good chance that the signing will have as good an impact as Robin van Persie's. United legend Phil Neville told Sky Sports' Super 6 Class of '92 Facebook Live:

"I think it would be an absolutely unbelievable signing. If you look back at Man Utd's big signings over the decades, Cantona came out of the hat, [Robin] Van Persie was a surprise, and they both helped United win titles. I think this could have a similar impact. He's got the character to play at Old Trafford."

"It would be a coup, particularly for United fans, to have a player like Sanchez potentially come to them over City. It would be a strong statement. It's pretty obvious he's not going to stay at Arsenal. I think if United were going to buy him, £25 million would be an absolute snip.''

While the Manchester clubs battle over Sanchez, Wenger looks set to lose yet another player to a domestic rival.

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Arsenal handed further boost in Thomas Lemar pursuit

Lemar set to move to England

The Gunners could not complete a deal in time for Lemar in the summer but have rekindled their interest this month, as per several reports. However, their hopes were initially dashed when AS Monaco manager, Leonardo Jardim, stated that no big sales will happen in January. This forced Arsenal along with Liverpool to look at other targets to sign this month.

Now, the AS Monaco boss has softened his stance in recent weeks and in his most recent statement, all but confirmed that a move is highly likely when he said:

"We haven't discussed anything with Lemar because he already knows what we want. If I stay at Monaco for 10 years I would want Lemar to stay for 10 years."

"Today the market is open. You know very well how crazy the market is. There are offers that happen that a club like Monaco can't say no to. The market, the numbers are very high so the situation can change at any time."

Thus, Jardim's statements is a huge boost for Arsenal as he implies that Lemar will be sold should a suitable offer come in for him. However, the Gunners will have to beat Liverpool to Lemar's signature and if they pull off the deal, then the Frenchman will be an ideal replacement for the likes of Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

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Bayer Leverkusen will consider offers for Leon Bailey

Bayer are willing to consider offers for Bailey

The attacker joined the German outfit last January and struggled to get going initially. However, the 20-year old has been in superb form this season with six goals and four assists in 14 games. Naturally, he attracted interest from several clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Gunners are reportedly considering Bailey as a replacement for Sanchez and now the Bundesliga outfit has handed a huge boost to the suitors by stating that they will consider offers for the Jamaican. Sporting director Rudi Voller spoke about the situation to Die Welt and said:

“At Bayer, we have had players who have aroused great interest and are on the wish list of other clubs for years. That’s why it does not catch us off guard. It would be bad if it did. We are relaxed. The only club that can say no – and would do so — if a player attracted interest is Bayern Munich."

"We and other clubs have to give in. There are limits you can reach, but that’s a theme of our policy, independent of Leon Bailey. If there is a need for discussion, we all sit down and decide what is best, while also keeping other alternatives open.”

Thus, Baliey is another player who is available should an offer go in.