Arsenal transfer news: Sanchez nearly agreed to a new deal, Man United enter Lemar race and more - 23rd December 2017

Alexis Sanchez turned back on new deal after defeat

In a stunning piece of information, The Times states that the Chilean actually agreed a deal to stay at the Emirates last December. However, the 29-year old reportedly did not sign the contract after he was left disappointed in the Champions League.

The Gunners lost 10-2 on aggregate to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, which led to Sanchez deciding on not extending his stay at the London club. The star forward was visibly distraught after the result and he took the decision at that point, as per the report.

Manchester City almost signed the former Barcelona attacker in the summer but for Arsenal pulling the plug after failing to get a replacement in time on deadline day. Now, the former Barca star is in the final year of his contract and could leave for free in the summer. He is not short of suitors as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are also interested along with Manchester City to sign the Chilean, be it in January or in the summer.

---

Manchester United enter the race to sign Thomas Lemar

Lemar is on Mourinho's wish-list

The AS Monaco attacker was the replacement wanted by Arsene Wenger for Alexis Sanchez and almost signed the player for £90 million on deadline day back in August. However, AS Monaco were reluctant to sell late into the window and the player reportedly hesitated, stalling the move. Apart from Arsenal, Liverpool were also interested in signing the Frenchman.

Both the English clubs were reportedly set to go head-to-head again in the upcoming transfer window as the Ligue 1 club have already exited the Champions League. Now, in a news that will worry Arsenal fans, Manchester United have entered the race to sign the 22-year old, as per the Daily Star.

The outlet states a report from Yahoo Sport which speaks about Jose Mourinho giving a four-man shortlist to the United hierarchy, consisting of Justin Kluivert, Christian Pulisic, Lemar and Malcolm. Thus, this could turn out to be a tougher fight for Arsenal compared to Liverpool and United, given the latter duo play in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, the likely departures of Mesut Ozil and Sanchez in the upcoming transfer windows give Lemar a chance to stake his claim on a starting spot right from the get-go. Further, Wenger's history with signing French players gives the London club a better chance of landing the AS Monaco playmaker.

---

Everton could swoop in for Arsenal target Steven N'Zonzi

A move to Goodison on the cards?

The new Everton manager has steadied the ship at Goodison Park since his appointment and the Toffees are back in the top half of the table. Now, he is looking to add reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window with the likes of N'Zonzi and Theo Walcott linked to make a move to the Merseyside club.

Now, Allardyce himself has confirmed the club's interest in N'Zonzi when he spoke to Daily Mail:

“I’d be very interested in Steven but if you have a look at how many footballers there are at the club, then it is impossible for me to block that up even more. We would be better served in other areas – like another goalscorer, maybe a full-back. After that who knows. I wouldn’t envisage us getting more than two in. I don’t think we need more than two.”

The Sevilla midfielder is looking for a move away from the Andalusian club after he had a spat with the now-sacked manager, Eduardo Berizzo. N'Zonzi now wants to leave with several clubs interested in activating his €36 million release clause. Wenger is reportedly one of the admirers and he now faces competition from the likes of Everton.