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Alexis Sanchez

LONDON. – Arsene Wenger is set to launch another effort to keep Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal – by offering him a £275 000-a-week deal.

Wenger hopes a whopping contract and living in London will persuade Sanchez to remain at Arsenal.

The Gunners striker insisted at the weekend he is determined to play in the Champions League and has told the club he wants to go. But Wenger remains confident the Chile star will stay for next season. Wenger still thinks Arsenal can convince Sanchez to stay.

Despite Sanchez insisting he wants Champions League football, which the Gunners cannot offer again until 2018, they are determined not to sell to a Premier League rival this summer and believe the saga will come down to money.

Manchester City are in pole position and know Arsenal are facing a dilemma because Sanchez could leave for nothing in a year’s time, at the end of his contract. Arsenal also believe staying in the capital could be a key factor in his thinking.

Sanchez is understood to love the London life and the prospect of staying there works in Arsenal’s favour. Wenger is also refusing to rule out Sanchez signing a bumper new deal.

He has one year left on his current terms. But a fresh contract worth £275 000-a-week could prevent him moving between Premier League clubs, with Arsenal desperate not to strengthen a direct rival.

Wenger, however, does expect the transfer saga to last all summer as City look to make bids for their top target.

Sanchez is not in the squad that touched down in Shanghai, China, on Sunday as he is on holiday after the Confederations Cup. – The Daily Express.