Alexis Sanchez has suffered a stop-start beginning to what could be his final Premier League season at Arsenal.

The former Barcelona star has missed numerous games through injury or just being rested, as was the case in the opening two games of the season following Chile's involvement in the Confederations Cup.

He finally found the back of the net in Sunday's 5-2 mauling of Everton at Goodison Park, his first league goal, and registered an assist, delivering a sumptuous cross for Mesut Ozil to head Arsenal in front.

However, next summer won't be an active one for Sanchez, at least on the pitch, after Chile missed out on qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

It comes as a bitter disappointment to the winger, who at the age of 28, may not have too many days left on the biggest stage of all.

Sanchez also appears to be nearing the exit door at Arsenal, with his contract set to expire next summer.

He has so far displayed a reluctance to sign a new deal, and the Gunners turned down a £50m from Manchester City at the end of the transfer window.

He posted a sad selfie on Instagram after being left out of the squad for Tuesday's 2-1 extra-time victory over Norwich, adding a message that reads "the eyes are the window of the soul, they do not hide nor lie."

They may live to regret turning that offer down if he leaves on a free though, with the Chilean able to enter talks with foreign clubs over a pre-contract deal in January.

The Sun have reported that Arsenal may be more willing to sell in the upcoming window though,
and have set an asking price of £30m for Sanchez, with City still interesting in bolstering their already startling attacking options.

A source at Manchester City has claimed they will not match the North Londoners' asking price though, and that they feel the ball is in their court over the deal.

“Arsenal are not blinking yet on Alexis. We will only pay £20m for him in January," the source confirmed.

"Arsenal are still sending the message that they want over £30m. Something has to give either way.

“Pep thinks he could prove the difference between Premier and Champions League success and failure.

“Sanchez still wants the move from what we understand. We feel we have some leverage right now.”

Arsenal's change of heart over the deal comes as Arsene Wenger has reportedly accepted that the Chilean will be leaving the Emirates.

Whether any fee can be agreed remains to be seen though, with the Gunners reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival halfway through the season.