Arsenal transfer news: Alexis Sanchez wants out as Julian Draxler and Djibril Sidibe linked with Gunners move

The latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates on Friday 8 July

Samuel Lovett
Friday 08 July 2016 05:05 EDT
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Alexis Sanchez helped guide Chile to Copa America glory
Alexis Sanchez helped guide Chile to Copa America glory (Getty)

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Julian Draxler is the latest name to be churned out from the rumour mill. Reports from ESPN and TalkSPORT have claimed that the north London side have made a £43m bid for the German superstar. Although Draxler joined Wolfsburg last year on a five-year deal, reports have suggested that the German club would find it difficult to turn down such a high bid.

Wenger has been a long-term admirer of Draxler and was linked with the 22-year-old last summer before he switched from Schalke to Wolfsburg for £26m.

Arsenal are also closing in on French central defender Djibril Sidibe, according to the Telegraph. Citing their sources at L’Equipe, the paper has suggested that a €15m deal for the Frenchman could be around the corner. Sidibe has established himself as a regular for Ligue 1 side Lille and at 23 years of age is considered a prospect for the future.

Fans will be concerned though by the claims that Alexis Sanchez is looking for a move away from the Emirates. According to Italian publication Calcio Mercato, the Chilean wants a return to Italy and his agent Fernando Felicevich has told the club of the 27-year-old’s desire to leave.

This follows reports that Juventus have lodged a £25.7m bid for the forward in an effort to bring him to Turin. Despite wanting to hold onto Sanchez, who recently led Chile to Copa America glory, the Gunners could be willing to listen to offers around the £34m mark, the Daily Express writes.

In other news, Arsenal continue to be linked with former Juventus forward Alvaro Morata. According to the Telegraph and Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger are planning to hijack Chelsea’s move for the Real Madrid man. The player reportedly favours a move to the Emirates given Arsenal can provide Champions League football.

Madrid are allegedly demanding £70m for the Spaniard and while Chelsea would be more than willing to pay that price, there’s doubts over whether Wenger would be prepared to part with such a figure and meet the terms of Morata’s excessive contract demands.

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It’s the same old story with Alexandre Lacazette too. Lyon are continuing to demand £42m for their star man, the Mail claim, and while inquiries have been made it seems Wenger does not rate the forward that highly.

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