You’ve got to feel sorry for Arsenal supporters this week.Having suffered a 4-0 bruising at the hands of Liverpool, they’ve been bombarded with transfer rumours concerning the potential exits of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez.And while the former will likely raise a few eyebrows in itself, gooners are becoming increasingly concerned about their star man. It’s certainly understandable when you consider Manchester City are the front running suitors.

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Furthermore, Pep Guardiola’s men accelerated their move for the Chilean by footing a £50 million bid that was rebuffed by the Gunners.

A second bid – strengthened by the inclusion of Raheem Sterling – is believed to be imminent, however.

The only great mitigating factor for Arsenal fans, then, is the fact the transfer window is less than two days away from it’s conclusion. In other words, City need to get a move on.

That’s easier said than done, though, when you consider Sanchez is currently on international duty with Chile. Their latest World Cup qualifier against Paraguay will take place a hearty 7,000 miles from Manchester.

Nevertheless, as per TV13, Sanchez requested 24 hours leave from his international obligations in order to resolve his future.

It leaves Manchester City in a difficult position and one that could see their latest bid prove a case of too little, too late. The President of the Chilean FA hasn’t exactly eased the situation either.

According to Coopertiva, Arturo Salah was told by manager Juan Antonio Pizzi that any such 24 hour request is “totally false.”

And from a Chilean perspective, it’s more than understandable. There are just three rounds of fixtures left in CONMEBOL qualifying for the World Cup and Chile are in the automatic places by just a point.

Moreover, the side tailing them in fifth place prove none other than Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Sanchez is also level with Arturo Vidal with six goals as his nation’s top scorer in qualification. Only Edinson Cavani and Felipe Caicedo boast better records in the South American system post-Brazil 2014.

So it’s fair to say City’s quest for Sanchez faces a number of hurdles, even if Arsenal are tempted by the inclusion of Sterling. A lump sum of £70 million is nothing to be sniffed at too given his contract expiration next summer.

On current form, Arsenal’s Premier League charge looks to be doomed with or without Sanchez in their side.

Arsene Wenger’s best hopes may, after all, lie on the west coast of South America.

Do you think Arsenal should keep Sanchez for one last season or cash-in now? Let us know by leaving a comment below.