Rumour: Arsenal close in on Alexis Sanchez as Barcelona look to raise cash for Luis Suarez deal

Arsenal look to be closing in on the signing of Chile star Alexis Sanchez, as Barcelona look to raise the money to sign Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, reports theMetro.

The Gunners have been searching for a striker this summer, and Sanchez is now their number one target. <Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Sanchez, but have yet to agree a transfer fee with Barcelona, according to reports.

Despite scoring 19 goals and registering 10 assists in La Liga last season, Barcelona are prepared to sell Sanchez to make way for the imminent arrival of Luis Suarez.

Liverpool were also interested in Sanchez, and the possibility of the Chilean being included in the Suarez deal was floated, but he is believed to favour a move to Arsenal.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are now reported to have accepted a deal worth around £63 million, though they have yet to agree on a payment plan with Barcelona. They want most of the fee to be paid up front, which Barcelona will only be able to do after selling Sanchez.

Arsenal have made an initial bid of £19.8 million for the forward, though Barcelona are understood to be holding out for a fee closer to £26 million. The two clubs are expected to continue negotiations this weekend in order to reach an agreement.

Sanchez impressed for Chile during the World Cup in Brazil, playing as central striker rather than the wide role he typically played for Barcelona. He scored two goals and registered one assist in the tournament, but was unable to prevent Chile going out to Brazil on penalties in the last 16.
Sanchez had a better shot conversion rate than Lionel Messi in La Liga last season (31.1% to 25.2%)