Arsenal Transfer News: Major Signings and Deals Linked in Latest Gunners Rumours

Manchester City are reportedly hoping to pounce on Alexis Sanchez's signature if the Arsenal forward fails to agree a new contract at the Emirates Stadium. Elsewhere, the Gunners are stepping up their interest in Antoine Griezmann.

Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express reported the Citizens are the latest European powerhouse to intensify their interest in Sanchez, who has already entered the final two years of his current Arsenal deal.

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It's understood the Chile international, who is currently engaged in contract negotiations with the Gunners, is seeking a new salary of £200,000 per week, a considerable upgrade on his current £130,000-a-week terms.

The news comes after Sanchez netted twice in Saturday's 4-1 Premier League win over Hull City, and Squawka noted the South American's celebrations suggested he's eager to state his loyalty to the Gunners:

That being said, the Citizens would be more readily equipped to meet Sanchez's apparent salary demands, not to mention it was manager Pep Guardiola who brought the winger to Barcelona in 2011.

It hasn't all been roses for Sanchez of late, however, as OptaJoe highlighted his weakness from the penalty spot, having missed out on his chance to bag a hat-trick against the Tigers:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger isn't likely to be keen on the idea of selling one of his best players to a direct league rival even if Sanchez were to be tempted by the move, and Arsenal still have time to extend their star's deal.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are said to be engaged in a three-way tussle alongside Manchester United and Chelsea as they look to ramp up their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid striker Griezmann, according to the Daily Star's Paul Hetherington.

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The report suggested the Premier League trio's hopes of recruiting the Frenchman have been boosted by several developments, including Griezmann axing his agent in favour of representing himself.

It was also confirmed on Friday Atleti manager Diego Simeone's contract was shortened to 2018, intensifying rumours some of the club's stars may consider their futures. It comes just as Griezmann is reaching the height of his powers, too, at least according to Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney:

The France international currently holds a joint-lead in the LaLiga scoring chart after bagging four goals this season, and Griezmann showcased his pedigree to the continent this summer after starring at UEFA Euro 2016.

Arsenal have always showed an affinity for recruiting French talent under Wenger's guidance, and Hetherington's report suggested bidding for Atletico ace Griezmann could rise to £80 million next summer.