London: Manchester United appeared to be closing in on Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez on Monday, leading the chase to sign the Chile international ahead of long-time suitors Manchester City.

Sanchez, 29, looks to have played his last game for Arsenal, with manager Arsene Wenger saying on Sunday his move could be confirmed “in the next 48 hours” there is uncertainty as to his destination.

Pep Guardiola’s City, whose move for the player collapsed at the end of the summer transfer window, are understood to be reluctant to pay a quoted cost in the region of £35 million ($48 million, 39 million euros) for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season.

United boss Jose Mourinho has done nothing to rule out United’s interest in Sanchez, calling him a “phenomenal player” and admitting that if there is a “fantastic opportunity” to sign a top player in the January transfer window, the club would be interested.

Former England captain Alan Shearer said the signing of Sanchez would be a huge coup for United because he has been a target for Guardiola for some time.

Agence France-Presse