Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Reportedly Approached by Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly contacted Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez as he lines up a potential bold move for the Chilean forward in the summer of 2016.  

Per Spanish outlet Don Balon (h/t Metro's Mark Brus), Van Gaal has told Sanchez he would be a "cornerstone" of his United side, while Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly interested in the 26-year-old.

The Gunners' asking price for Sanchez is quoted at £50 million, but it seems likely Arsenal would only let him go for substantially more than that having signed him for £35 million in 2014 on a four-year contract. 

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It also seems almost inconceivable that Arsenal would sell arguably their best player to United, a direct Premier League rival.

Although Robin van Perise made the move from the Emirates to Old Trafford in 2012 when at the height of his powers, the Gunners have thrown off their reputation as a selling club in recent times, per the MailOnline's Martha Kelner.

Sanchez has established himself quickly under manager Arsene Wenger as Arsenal's most potent attacking threat, with his league tally for 2015-16 currently standing at six goals in 12 games, per WhoScored.com.

Arsenal are currently tied on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City and look like genuine contenders for the title this season—although their performances of late have not been up to scratch, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Sanchez will play a big role in any title push, and should the Gunners claim a first Premier League crown in 12 years in 2015-16, they will likely be in no danger of losing the Chile international.

However, should they fail once again to clinch the title in May, Sanchez may feel inclined to look elsewhere for glory, especially if the Gunners do not make it to the Champions League knockout rounds.

Wenger's side could be condemned to a group-stage exit from Europe's top club competition on Nov. 24 if they fail to beat Dinamo Zagreb, or Bayern Munich and Olympiakos draw.

Such a feeble effort in the Champions League could well have Sanchez—one of the best players in the world—questioning whether he is at the right club.

However, PSG would surely be the more likely destination for Sanchez should he decide to leave Arsenal in the summer.

Not only are the Ligue 1 giants currently more likely to offer Sanchez a chance at titles than United, but Arsenal, however begrudgingly, would perhaps be willing to sell him to PSG if they came in with a huge offer.

The same cannot be said for United, who will surely be knocked back in their reported pursuit of Sanchez no matter how much money they offer arch-rivals Arsenal.