Besiktas are in the market for a forward this month following the £27m sale of star man Cenk Tosun to Everton.

And they’ve drawn up a list of targets which include Premier League marksman Welbeck and Islam Slimani of Leicester.

The latest reports from Turkey suggest Besiktas opted to go for Welbeck first of all, with a proposal for a loan deal tabled.

However, they were apparently knocked back by Arsenal, who look set to lose one of their other attackers.

According to Turkish outlet Sporx, the Gunners were unwilling to do business with Besiktas because Sanchez is on his way out.

The 29-year-old has rejected a fresh contract at the Emirates and appears to be bound for United.

Alexandre Lacazette, Olivier Giroud, Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Chuba Akpom are all available to take Sanchez’s place at Arsenal.

But it appears Arsene Wenger wants to retain Welbeck’s services to supplement them as his side continue to compete on three fronts.

Sporx say Besiktas moved on swiftly from Welbeck by asking Leicester about a potential deal for Slimani.

They do not reveal what the Foxes made of their offer of a loan with an option to buy included.

However, Sporx indicate Besiktas did approach Leicester without first consulting Slimani’s entourage about a switch.