The closer we get to the start of the Premier League season, the more anxious Arsenal fans must be getting over the future of Alexis Sanchez.

Gooners certainly don’t need reminding that there are serious doubts over the future of their star player. The Chilean has just 12 months remaining on his current Arsenal deal and has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.

But we haven’t heard too much from the player himself.

Well, that was until this weekend when he appeared to hint at leaving the Emirates for a club in the Champions League.

"I have made my decision, but now the decision has to be taken by Arsenal,” he said.

"It depends on them. I have to wait to know what they want. My idea is to play and win the Champions League. It's a dream I have had since I was little.”

There are no doubt plenty of top European clubs interested in the 28-year-old with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly joining City in the race for his signature.

Sanchez's decision

But what is the decision that Sanchez spoke about?

Well, according to the Daily Mail, he has his heart set on reuniting with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

They’re reporting that Sanchez has decided he wants to join City and, what’s more, believes Arsenal will eventually allow him to join their Premier League rivals.

Understandably, Arsenal are remaining adamant that Sanchez won’t be sold to a domestic rival. Even if it means losing him on a free transfer next summer, Arsenal simply don’t want to allow their best player to join a club they will be challenging with this season.

However, Sanchez is equally adamant that he wants to sign for City and his representatives believe they hold the upper hand in negotiations.

They think that Arsenal will be pressurised into selling Sanchez the closer they get to the end of the transfer window, rather than letting him leave on a free transfer in 12 months time. If the north London club were to sell this summer, they would likely recoup in excess of £50 million.

But Arsene Wenger is failing in his quest to sort out a new deal for Sanchez. The player wants a deal in excess of £300,000-per-week after rejecting an offer worth £275,000.

So, Sanchez has made up his mind and it seems as though he’s going to do everything he can to force through the move.

Arsenal have a tough fight on their hands.