Arsenal poised to join race for Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez with £32m bid, claim reports

Alexis Sanchez in action for Barcelona

Arsenal have made Barcelona livewire Alexis Sanchez their first-choice forward target this transfer window and will launch a £32 million bid, as reported by Goal.

Sanchez has been deemed surplus to requirements by newly instated Barca boss Luis Enrique and will be sold as the Catalan club undergo extensive reshuffling of personnel.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for the Chilean winger, but now Brendan Rodgers faces Premier League competition for Sanchez’s signature.

The 25-year-old is valued at £32 million by the Gunners, but Barca’s asking price is doubtless about to increase in light of his scintillating displays for La Roja in the World Cup.

Should Sanchez agree a move to the Emirates, then Arsene Wenger would look to convert him into a centre-forward, as the French manager sees all the traits necessary in the Tocopilla native to fill that role.

However, Arsenal’s attempt to sign Sanchez could be scuppered by reports of a swap deal for Toni Kroos with Bayern Munich.

Elsewhere, the North London club are in talks to sign Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier and Cardiff City shot-stopper David Marshall.